UN condemns arrest of its national staffers in Sudan
June 24, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) has chided the Sudanese authorities for arresting six of its national staff members at the airport of South Kordofan’s capital of Kadugli, saying that the action violates the agreements signed with government.
The arrested staff members were preparing to depart from Kadugli Airport to Wau in South Sudan as part of UNMIS relocation plan, the release explained.
The mission went on to condemn the arrest, expressing concern over the safety of its staff and demanding their “immediate” release.
“In accordance with the Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) signed by the Government of Sudan and the mission, the Government is obliged to present the Special Representative of the Secretary- General (SRSG) with evidence prior to taking any legal action against any member, national or international, of UNMIS, including arresting them,” the mission noted.
The arrest of UNMIS staffers mirrors another incident last week when Sudanese authorities in South Kordofan, according to the mission, detained and abused four peacekeepers.
“The temporary detention and abuse of four peacekeepers last week and yesterday’s arrest of national staff members constitute clear and disturbing violations of the SOFA,” the mission said.
“UNMIS calls on the parties to respect the SOFA, and uphold their commitment to protect civilians and ensure the freedom of movement for all UN staff, regardless of their origin, or ethnic and political affiliations,” it added.
The UN repeatedly voiced complaints that the Sudanese authorities were blocking access of aid groups to the more than 75,000 people displaced by the wave of unrest that hit South Kordofan State since 5 June when clashes erupted by north Sudan army and fighters aligned with Sudan People’s Liberation Army of the soon-to-be independent state of South Sudan.
Valerie Amos, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, this week called on the Sudanese authorities to end security restrictions on movement and allow aid groups unfettered access to the affected areas.
She further warned that “the threats to aid workers and peacekeepers need to stop immediately.” The UN official also condemned the targeting of South Kordofan people “along ethnic lines.”
(ST)