UN official urges trials for perpetrators of Darfur crimes

Aug 17, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — A United Nations human rights official urged Thursday, after visiting Darfur, that persons involved in human rights violations in the conflict-wracked area of western Sudan be brought to trial.

“Where impunity prevails, the protection of civilians will remain elusive,” said Sima Samar, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Sudan, as she wrapped up a six-day tour of the country during which she visited North and West Darfur.

Khartoum’s efforts to ensure accountability, including trying persons suspected of killing civilians, rape, looting and destruction of property, “have so far proved inadequate,” she said.

Last week, the U.S. urged that U.N. peacekeepers be in Darfur by Oct. 1. An African Union force deployed in the area has proved ineffective in halting the violence.

Since the signing in May of the Darfur peace agreement between Sudan’s government and Darfur’s main rebel group, “there has been an upsurge in violence in the region resulting in killings of civilians, rape and displacement,” the U.N. official said.

Unless action is taken to protect civilians from attacks, “there will be a further deterioration in the coming months,” Samar predicted.

More than 200,000 have been killed and some 2 million rendered homeless since 2003 when tribes revolted against the Khartoum government.

(AP/ST)