Sudan rejects EU project for closer monitoring of rights in Darfur
March 21, 2007 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan has reaffirmed its rejection of an European project of resolution to the UN rights body calling for closer international surveillance of human rights in Darfur. Sudan tries to persuade Islamic countries to propose to re-send a new mission to Sudan
Last week, a team led by U.S. Nobel laureate Jody Williams dispatched by the Council to investigate allegations of widespread violations, including killings, rapes and arbitrary arrests, accused Khartoum of orchestrating and taking part in such international crimes.
The Sudanese minister told the official SUNA after his return from Geneva that this report was “part of a series of continuous plotting against Sudan which is being woven by European countries, as well as a part of pressures against many African states with the aim to compel them to support the stance of the European countries.”
European and African delegations proposed two near-identical resolutions on Darfur. Both call for the establishment of an expert group to work with Sudan on protecting Darfur civilians from violence.
The EU proposal by Germany expressed concern over ongoing rights violations committed by both the government and rebel groups in Darfur, while the African Group’s resolution, presented by Algeria, praised Sudan for its readiness to improve human rights in Darfur.
Al-Mardi said that Sudan delegation will never allow approval of the European resolution’s project, and will have a firm stand in this regard.
He pointed out that Sudan delegation is working to convince the member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to forward their project before the Human Rights Council.
He explained that the major aspects of the OIC countries’ draft resolution include re-formation of the fact-finding mission for human rights in Sudan, representation of the different groups in this mission and its authorization by the Human Rights Council.
The Minister of Justice referred to attempts of the Arab and Islamic countries to convince a number of African states to change their stance for the interest of Sudan and to reject the European draft resolution.
The newly formed Council’s response to the crisis in Darfur is seen by many as a test of whether it will become a firmer defender of human rights around the globe than its discredited predecessor, the Human Rights Commission.
No date has yet been set for a vote on the Darfur resolution, but the Council is due to end its fourth session on March 30.
(ST)