Catholic bishop conference calls to press CPA partners on referendum

July 24, 2010 (WUNROK) – Catholic Bishops of Sudan have gathered for an extraordinary plenary session and called on the two partners to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to accelerate their discussions into action on referendum due in January 2011.

The conference which took place in Juba from 15th to 22nd July 2010 passed resolutions a copy of which was availed to Sudan Tribune with the message of hope and call to action.

While calling on the international community to provide technical and logistical support to the conduct of the referendum, the conference also called for recognition and respect of the outcome of the referendum.

“We urge our leaders in both north and south to ensure that the referenda for Southern Sudan and Abyei should take place on time, in a free and fair manner, and that the outcomes are recognized and respected. The referendum process must be conducted peacefully and transparently. We urge those who are leading the referendum process to redouble their efforts to ensure that all outstanding measures are implemented in good time,” the statement says.

“We call upon the international community to assist in the technical, logistical and operational stages of the referendum, to monitor and observe the process from start to finish, to guarantee implementation of the results and to mediate in case of any disagreement.”

The religious leaders said they placed their trust in those who have accompanied the peace process so far, particularly IGAD and friends of IGAD such as USA, UK, Italy and Norway as well as AU, UN and Arab League, to continue to encourage the signatories to implement the referendum.

The conference further called upon all citizens who register, to ensure that they actually cast their vote and urged international and domestic monitors to pay close attention to the registration process from the beginning, and particularly to the registration of those living outside Southern Sudan.

Expressing concerns by reports suggesting intimidation and threats causing fear among southerners living and working in northern Sudan as the country approach the time of the referendum, they urged all parties to guarantee the safety and freedom of all people of Sudan in the run up to the referendum and beyond, regardless of the outcome.

“In the event that unity of Sudan is the legitimate outcome of the process, we call for a change of heart among those in power, to bring about a unity embracing all, in a just, free and open society, where the human dignity of every citizen is safeguarded and respected. In the event that the people of southern Sudan choose secession, we call upon those in power to ensure good neighborly relations and a smooth and peaceful transition,” the statement said.

The conference urged the parties to reach amicable solutions to practical questions such as oil, citizenship and border issues – solutions which benefit all.

While urging the authorities in northern Sudan to respect the freedom and human rights, including freedom of religion, of all inhabitants, given the fears which exist in the hearts of southerners in the north, the religious leaders urged it is important to create a climate of human security and well-being, and respect of basic human rights, in accordance with Sudan’s obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“We urge the authorities in southern Sudan to respect the rights of northerners in the south. We call for good governance, with zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism, and an increased delivery of basic services,” they said, calling on all parties, factions and ethnic groups to end violence and to unite for the common good.

The CPA provides that the people of southern Sudan should exercise their right to self-determination through a referendum to determine their future status in accordance with the provisions of the Interim National Constitution of 2005 and the Southern Sudan Referendum Act of 2009.

However, majority remain deeply concerned that the time remaining before the due date of 9th January 2011 is painfully short. Regulations and procedures for the referendum have not been provided. Establishment of High Referendum Committees in states is not completed. Formation of sub-committees in counties and referendum centers is not completed and voter registration has not even begun, among others.

(ST)