New Zealand supports UN’s arms ban on militia groups in Sudan

WELLINGTON, Jan 14, 2005 (Xinhua) — New Zealand regulations implementing the United Nations arms sanctions against militia groups in Darfur, Sudan, became law on Friday, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said.

A Rwandan African Union soldier patrols at Abushouk camp near El Fasher in North Darfur, Nov 3, (Reuters). (Reuters)

The UN Security Council condemned acts of violence and imposed a ban on the sale of arms to all non-state entities and individuals operating in Darfur last year.

The ban followed the UN’s concern at the on-going humanitarian crisis and human rights violations, including attacks on civilians in particular by Janjaweed militia.

Goff said in a statement Friday that New Zealand lobbied the Security Council strongly in support of this and subsequent resolutions on Sudan.

“We welcomed the Security Council’s decision to stop the supply of weapons to militia groups in Darfur,” Goff said, adding the decision reflects the need for the international community to take decisive action in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur where tens of thousands have died since the outbreak of hostilities.