Dutch human rights envoy to visit Sudan

September 8, 2008 (THE HAGUE) — The Dutch human rights ambassador, Arjan Hamburger, will pay a visit to Sudan in October to discuss specific measures to improve the human rights situation in the country.

Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen agreed about this trip with his Sudanese counterpart Deng Alor who was in The Hague last week

“I remain greatly concerned about human rights in Sudan, especially the tragic situation in Darfur,” said Verhagen. “The Sudanese government needs to ensure that humanitarian aid workers are given free access to people in need” he added.

Verhagen urged Alor to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC, which is investigating war crimes in Darfur, has issued arrest warrants against a minister and a government-backed militia leader in a first case earlier this year. Alos, the ICC chief prosecutor recently filled a request for an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir .

‘The work of the International Criminal Court contributes to more stability and security in the world over the long term,’ said Verhagen.

“Justice is indispensable to a lasting peace, in Sudan and elsewhere. War crimes must be investigated and the perpetrators punished. This is non-negotiable,” he stressed.

(ST)