Showing posts with label Sudan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sudan. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Darfur Diaries: Message From Home
Darfur Diaries: Message From Home Synopsis
The documentary Darfur Diaries: Message from Home features interviews with many victims of the devastating genocide taking place in the area. The filmmakers seek to shine some light on this dark chapter in human history, encouraging people to make a great effort for humanitarian relief in besieged Darfur.
Directed by:
Jen Marlowe
Adam Shapiro
Cast:
Abdullah
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Thursday, March 29, 2012
Outrage Over Iraq Welcoming of Wanted War Criminal Bashir
Wanted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2012
ADVOCACY GROUP CALLS ON UNITED STATES TO EXPRESS OUTRAGE OVER IRAQ WELCOMING OF WANTED WAR CRIMINAL BASHIR
(Washington, DC) – United to End Genocide denounced Iraq for allowing the visit of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, and called upon the United States to express outrage over the visit. Bama Athreya, United to End Genocide’s Executive Director, made the following statement:
“Is this what the United States went to war in Iraq for -- to allow a wanted war criminal to visit? The U.S. government should issue a statement of outrage.
“This is the third visit of Bashir to a close U.S. ally in recent months and should be seen as a slap in the face to U.S. standing, if not outright U.S. commitment to justice for one of the world’s worst criminals. Nor are the consequences of this simply historical. Even today Omar al-Bashir continues to drop bombs indiscriminately on the people of Sudan and to put hundreds of thousands at risk of starvation by refusing to allow humanitarian aid into his own country.
“Bashir should not be visiting countries like Malawi, Libya, and Iraq that the United States has so robustly supported. The next headline we see should not be about a war criminal being welcomed by a U.S. ally, but rather that Bashir is welcomed to the seat of the International Criminal Court in the Hague.”
Background:
On March 28th, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir traveled to Baghdad, Iraq for an Arab League Summit. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Bashir for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Darfur, where over 300,000 people have died since 2003. Iraq is not a signatory to the International Criminal Court so does not have a legal obligation to arrest Bashir, however such visits have resulted in diplomatic pressure and canceled visits to non-signatory countries in the past. The United States recently announced that it is suspending $350 million in aid to Malawi under the Millennium Challenge Corporation, citing deteriorating economic and political conditions, but also concern for Malawi allowing a visit by Omar al-Bashir as a contributing factor. Ongoing violence against civilians in Abyei, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur regions of Sudan displaced over half a million people last year and USAID’s Famine Early Warning System has warned of hundreds of thousands of people being at risk of emergency hunger levels one step below famine as the Sudanese government continues to block access for international humanitarian aid in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
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The Save Darfur Coalition and Genocide Intervention Network are now United to End Genocide. The organization remains committed to its work to end the crisis in Darfur and bring peace to all of Sudan as well as to end violence in other areas of mass atrocities. The merger creates the world's largest anti-genocide activist organization, with a membership base of hundreds of thousands of committed activists, an unparalleled nationwide student movement, more than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights partner organizations, and a network of institutional investors collectively representing more than $3 trillion in assets under management.
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Saturday, December 03, 2011
Arrest Warrant for Defense Minister is Good. But...
President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2011
RIGHTS GROUP CALLS NEW ICC ARREST WARRANT FOR SUDAN GOVT LEADER MODEST BUT INSUFFICENT STEP Seeks U.S. Leadership for True Justice in Sudan
(Washington, DC) – United to End Genocide President Tom Andrews released the following statement today in response to the International Criminal Court’s request for an arrest warrant for Sudanese Defense Minister General Abdulrahim Mohamed Hussein, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur: “The ICC’s action is a modest but insufficient step toward holding perpetrators accountable for heinous crimes they have committed against the people of Darfur.
The fact remains that the worst perpetrators that are wanted by the ICC continue to commit these crimes with impunity and travel freely around the world.
Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir and his cronies continue to commit atrocities that have displaced more than 500,000 people from Darfur, South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei this year, and these attacks show no signs of slowing despite the ICC warrants against them. “Because of failure of the UN Security Council to act, only crimes committed in Darfur are allowed to be pursued by the ICC, leaving the mounting atrocities in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei beyond the reach of ICC prosecutors.
“The people of Sudan deserve the true justice that will only come when the Obama administration and international community stand up to Bashir’s murderous regime.
The Obama Administration must immediately impose strong sanctions on Bashir and other leaders responsible for attacks against civilians – not just in Darfur but everywhere atrocities are being committed.
The administration must also play a leadership role to forge UN Security Council action including sanctions, the deployment of a civilian protection force, an arms embargo for all of Sudan and an ICC investigation into the atrocities still being committed in South Kordofan and Blue Nile that will make it possible for all perpetrators to be brought to justice.”
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The Save Darfur Coalition and Genocide Intervention Network are now United to End Genocide. The organization remains committed to its work to end the crisis in Darfur and bring peace to all of Sudan as well as to end violence in other areas of mass atrocities. The merger creates the world’s largest anti-genocide activist organization, with a membership base of hundreds of thousands of committed activists, an unparalleled nationwide student movement, more than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights partner organizations, and a network of institutional investors collectively representing more than $3 trillion in assets under management.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Latest News from Darfur
Darfur - George Galloway by inet
21 Nov 2011 06:35 Africa/Lagos
Darfur / UNAMID Media Brief
EL FASHER (DARFUR), November 21, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- UNAMID Media Brief / 20 November 2011
UNAMID supports sports competition in North Darfur
In its continued efforts to engage the local community, UNAMID presented today sports equipment to five secondary schools from Abu Shouk, Al Salaam and Zamzam internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in North Darfur, which will participate in the Back to School Tournament. The kits included balls, nets, footwear and clothes for female and male volleyball and football teams.
UNAMID Director of Communications and Public Information Kemal Saiki said that “UNAMID has been very active working for the community, essentially for the youth. We are keen to see the youth engage in activities that promote competition in a peaceful way”.
On behalf of the Principals of the schools and the Umdas (community leaders) from the three camps, Ibrahim Alkheed Shekhadeen, Camp Manager for Abu Shouk and Al Salaam camps, stated that this donation will strengthen relations between the IDP community and the Mission. “We will continue to work with all youth in the camps, by uniting we build peace,” he said.
The tournament which begins on 21 November will run for three weeks between the secondary schools in Abu Shouk, Al Salaam and Zamzam IDP camps.
UNAMID patrols
UNAMID military conducted 139 patrols including routine, short-range, long-range, night and humanitarian escort patrols covering 78 villages and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. UNAMID Police advisors conducted 101 patrols in villages and IDP camps.
Source: United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
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| 16 Nov 2011 | |
| 14:25 | AU Chairperson receives Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce |
| 15 Nov 2011 | |
| 06:34 | Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General on recent tensions between Sudan and South Sudan |
| 05:27 | Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General on recent tensions between Sudan and South Sudan |
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Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Obama Administration Must Change Policy on Sudan Now
Act of War by Sudan Requires Change Of Course For Obama Administration’s Sudan Policy
Action Not Words is Needed Now
(Washington, DC) – United to End Genocide President Tom Andrews released the following statement today condemning Omar al-Bashir’s attacks on civilians in South Sudan and calling on the United States to hold Bashir and other perpetrators responsible for their crimes:
“Omar al-Bashir has driven hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in the last six months, and now he is attacking these same men, women and children in the South Sudan villages where they have sought refuge. These attacks are not only an escalation of Bashir’s brutality against civilians, they are an act of war against a sovereign nation whose independence the United States hailed and celebrated only four months ago. What more evidence does Secretary Clinton and the Obama administration need that its Sudan policy has failed and needs to be fundamentally changed? The United States needs to be demanding accountability not offering more accommodation in light of these latest atrocities. Words are simply not enough.
“The Bashir regime’s actions – terrorizing and killing civilians, bombing refugee areas and signaling its willingness to go to war with South Sudan – must be met with action by the Obama Administration, not its current tepid policy of holding out normalization as a reward for Sudan’s good behavior.
“The Obama Administration must immediately impose strong sanctions on Bashir and other leaders responsible for attacks against civilians, and play a leadership role to forge UN Security Council action including sanctions, the deployment of a civilian protection force, an arms embargo for all of Sudan and an investigation into the atrocities still being committed in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.”
Background:
On Tuesday, the Sudanese military bombed the town of Gaffa in South Sudan where approximately 400 civilians from Blue Nile had taken refuge. Two days later, Bashir’s forces bombed Yida, a refugee camp in South Sudan where over 15,000 civilians from South Kordofan and Blue Nile have fled. Today, according to the South Sudan army, Bashir’s forces attacked a military base in the South killing at least 18 and wounding another 73. This week’s attacks are the first military assaults on South Sudan since its independence and represent a serious breach of international law and could lead to a renewal of conflict. Since the beginning of the year, Bashir’s regime have forced over half a million civilians to flee their homes in Darfur, South Kordofan, Abyei and Blue Nile.
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The Save Darfur Coalition and Genocide Intervention Network are now United to End Genocide. The organization remains committed to its work to end the crisis in Darfur and bring peace to all of Sudan as well as to end violence in other areas of mass atrocities. The merger creates the world’s largest anti-genocide activist organization, with a membership base of hundreds of thousands of committed activists, an unparalleled nationwide student movement, more than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights partner organizations, and a network of institutional investors collectively representing more than $3 trillion in assets under management.
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Thursday, September 22, 2011
Human Rights Leader Faults Obama Administration for Failure In Sudan
Human Rights Leader Faults Obama Administration for Failure In Sudan – Could Cost Thousands Of Lives
Rejects Current “Normalization” Approach for Tough Sanctions against Indicted War Criminal
(Washington, DC) – United to End Genocide President Tom Andrews today urged policymakers to mandate increased U.S. sanctions and other actions to help halt escalating ethnic-based attacks on civilians in South Kordofan and Blue Nile by forces backed by Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir. Andrews testified at a House of Representatives’ Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing, “Sudan: The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in South Kordofan and Continuing Human Rights Violations in Darfur.”
Omar al-Bashir“Omar al-Bashir is repeating the targeted ethnic attacks of Darfur in South Kordofan and Blue Nile where his forces have already killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands displaced with little food and no access to humanitarian aid,” stated Andrews. “Unfortunately, the Obama Administration, by failing to demand accountability and leaving the option open for normalized relations with Sudan, is allowing Omar al-Bashir to get away with murder.”
In his testimony, Andrews called on the Obama Administration to:
• Expand current sanctions on Bashir and other individuals responsible for atrocities throughout Sudan, as current sanctions are specific to Darfur alone;
• Make saving live in Sudan a high priority in dealings with China and other nations that can exert leverage on Bashir and his regime; and
• Expend political capital necessary to pass a United Nations Security Council resolution that would expand individual sanctions for perpetrators, expand the existing arms embargo on Darfur to incorporate all of Sudan, expand the mandate of the International Criminal Court to cover the entire country, and authorize an international civilian protection force with the mandate and capacity to accomplish its mission.
Andrews thanked the Lantos Human Rights Commission for helping to raise the alarm about ongoing atrocities in Sudan. “The American people need to know the truth about Omar al-Bashir and the atrocities he continues to commit, and this hearing is an important step,” stated Andrews. “I urge your leadership in considering legislation that would mandate increased U.S. sanctions and other actions to hold Omar al-Bashir accountable for his heinous actions and protect the millions of men, women and children in South Kordofan and Blue Nile whose lives are at risk right now.”
###
The Save Darfur Coalition and Genocide Intervention Network are now United to End Genocide. The organization remains committed to its work to end the crisis in Darfur and bring peace to all of Sudan as well as to end violence in other areas of mass atrocities. The merger creates the world’s largest anti-genocide organization, with a membership base of hundreds of thousands of committed activists globally, an unparalleled nationwide student movement, more than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights partner organizations, and a network of institutional investors collectively representing more than $2 trillion in assets under management.
CONTACT:
Ann Brown, abrown@annbrowncommunications.com, 301-633-4193
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Friday, June 17, 2011
China must arrest Sudanese President
Chinese President Hu Jintao and Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir
17 Jun 2011 12:42 Africa/Lagos
China must arrest Sudanese President
LONDON, June 17, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chinese government should immediately withdraw its invitation to Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, and arrest him if he travels to Beijing, Amnesty International said today.
Omar Al-Bashir is due to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao and other high-ranking officials as part of a visit from 27-30 June
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued two arrest warrants for Omar Al-Bashir for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur. The warrants, issued in 2009 and 2010, charge him with criminal responsibility on 10 counts, including murder, extermination, forcible transfer of population, torture and rape.
“If China welcomes Omar Al-Bashir it will become a safe haven for alleged perpetrators of genocide”, said Catherine Baber, Deputy Asia Pacific Director at Amnesty International. “China should not allow Omar Al-Bashir to enter its territory, and must arrest him if he turns up.”
Although China is not a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, it is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which decided in 2005 to refer the situation in Darfur – since 1 July 2002 – to the ICC Prosecutor.
The resulting resolution –which China had the power to veto but did not – urges all states to cooperate fully with the ICC.
All states have a shared responsibility to ensure that persons suspected of genocide and crimes against humanity are investigated. Where there is sufficient admissible evidence, suspects must be prosecuted in fair trials without recourse to the death penalty.
“If China provides a safe haven for Al-Bashir thousands of victims in Africa will perceive China as an accomplice to crimes under international law”, Catherine Baber said.
Read More
Malaysia: Arrest Sudanese President wanted for war crimes (Public statement, 13 June 2011)
Djibouti refuses to arrest Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir (Public statement, 9 May 2011)
Central African Republic must arrest Omar al-Bashir during visit (Public statement, 1 December 2010)
Kenya refuses to arrest Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir (Public statement, 27 August 2010)
Source: Amnesty International
CLICK TO SEE DETAILS OF CHINA'S DARFUR POLICY.
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Saturday, May 21, 2011
Human Rights Groups Condemn Recent Attacks in Darfur
Human Rights Groups Condemn Recent Attacks and Humanitarian Aid Restrictions in Darfur
Washington, D.C. – Sudan Now, a group of human rights and anti-genocide organizations, today called on the Obama Administration to condemn the Government of Sudan for conducting air strikes against civilians in Darfur and preventing humanitarian assistance from accessing the affected sites. The administration should demand that access for humanitarian groups and peacekeepers be restored immediately, the Sudan coalition said.
The air attacks were the second in three days conducted by the Government of Sudan and were followed by the denial of access for humanitarian groups and peacekeepers for nearly all of South Darfur, including two of the largest displacement camps in the world.
“The U.S. government has offered a roadmap to normalization of relations with Khartoum, with the hope that these incentives could lead to a peaceful transition to independence of South Sudan as well as progress toward peace in Darfur. The latest egregious acts of bombing civilians and denying UN access should give immediate pause to offers of normalization. President Obama should make it clear to the Sudanese government that while the United States is willing to offer a way forward, there are certain acts that are unacceptable under any circumstances.” stated Mark Hanis, President and Co-Founder of Genocide Intervention Network / Save Darfur Coalition.
“Restrictions on humanitarian access are immoral and totally unacceptable,” said Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service. “The path towards peace is undermined when violence continues to be perpetrated and vital supplies and service are not permitted to reach those who rely on them for survival. I expect the United States Government and the international community to stand firm and send a strong message that these behaviors must end.”
“Although we repeatedly hear about how the Sudanese government is increasing access for peacekeepers and humanitarians in Darfur, invariably they revert to bombing civilians and cutting off access to aid,” said Enough Executive Director John Bradshaw. “Unless the international community imposes a clear cost for this egregious behavior, it will keep recurring.”
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Sudan Now is a campaign led by a group of anti-genocide and human rights advocacy organizations committed to bringing meaningful and lasting peace to Sudan and encouraging strong American leadership and action to achieve this goal. The campaign challenges President Obama and top U.S. administration officials to live up to their promises to take strong and immediate action to help end the international crisis in Sudan and bring a lasting peace to Sudan’s people. Organizations participating in the campaign include Humanity United, the Enough Project at the Center for American Progress, Genocide Intervention Network, American Jewish World Service, Stop Genocide Now, and Investors Against Genocide.
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
Washington, D.C. – Sudan Now, a group of human rights and anti-genocide organizations, today called on the Obama Administration to condemn the Government of Sudan for conducting air strikes against civilians in Darfur and preventing humanitarian assistance from accessing the affected sites. The administration should demand that access for humanitarian groups and peacekeepers be restored immediately, the Sudan coalition said.
The air attacks were the second in three days conducted by the Government of Sudan and were followed by the denial of access for humanitarian groups and peacekeepers for nearly all of South Darfur, including two of the largest displacement camps in the world.
“The U.S. government has offered a roadmap to normalization of relations with Khartoum, with the hope that these incentives could lead to a peaceful transition to independence of South Sudan as well as progress toward peace in Darfur. The latest egregious acts of bombing civilians and denying UN access should give immediate pause to offers of normalization. President Obama should make it clear to the Sudanese government that while the United States is willing to offer a way forward, there are certain acts that are unacceptable under any circumstances.” stated Mark Hanis, President and Co-Founder of Genocide Intervention Network / Save Darfur Coalition.
“Restrictions on humanitarian access are immoral and totally unacceptable,” said Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service. “The path towards peace is undermined when violence continues to be perpetrated and vital supplies and service are not permitted to reach those who rely on them for survival. I expect the United States Government and the international community to stand firm and send a strong message that these behaviors must end.”
“Although we repeatedly hear about how the Sudanese government is increasing access for peacekeepers and humanitarians in Darfur, invariably they revert to bombing civilians and cutting off access to aid,” said Enough Executive Director John Bradshaw. “Unless the international community imposes a clear cost for this egregious behavior, it will keep recurring.”
####
Sudan Now is a campaign led by a group of anti-genocide and human rights advocacy organizations committed to bringing meaningful and lasting peace to Sudan and encouraging strong American leadership and action to achieve this goal. The campaign challenges President Obama and top U.S. administration officials to live up to their promises to take strong and immediate action to help end the international crisis in Sudan and bring a lasting peace to Sudan’s people. Organizations participating in the campaign include Humanity United, the Enough Project at the Center for American Progress, Genocide Intervention Network, American Jewish World Service, Stop Genocide Now, and Investors Against Genocide.
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
20 May 2011
20:37
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14:31 UN Secretary-General Appoints Margaret Vogt of Nigeria as his Special Representative to the Central African Republic and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office
19 May 2011
17:40 List of accredited media and organizations for the African Development Bank Pre-Annual Meetings Virtual Press Conference held on Thursday, 19 May from 3 – 4 p.m. in Tunis.
18 May 2011
20:14 Special Sudan Briefing with Special Envoy to Sudan Princeton Lyman and USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah
17 May 2011
16 May 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
10 Jan 2011 13:28 Africa/Lagos
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
EL FASHER (DARFUR), January 10, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- UNAMID Daily Media Brief / 2011-01-09
Update on security situation
UNAMID reports that on 7 January, a Sudanese national working for CARE International was killed by unknown assailants in an apparent robbery in Graida, a town located roughly 80 kilometers southeast of Nyala, South Darfur. Government authorities are investigating the matter.
Deliveries of food aid have reached newly displaced persons in Shangil Tobaya, North Darfur, after fighting between rebel movements and government troops caused mass displacements in North and South Darfur.
Meanwhile, as voting begins on South Sudan's self-determination, Darfur's 20 polling centers have reported no significant security incidents. Over 23,000 South Sudanese are registered to cast their ballots in the region.
UNAMID patrols
UNAMID military conducted 108 patrols including routine, short-range, long-range, night and humanitarian escort patrols covering 70 villages and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
UNAMID police advisors conducted 94 patrols in villages and IDP camps.
Source: United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
EL FASHER (DARFUR), January 10, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- UNAMID Daily Media Brief / 2011-01-09
Update on security situation
UNAMID reports that on 7 January, a Sudanese national working for CARE International was killed by unknown assailants in an apparent robbery in Graida, a town located roughly 80 kilometers southeast of Nyala, South Darfur. Government authorities are investigating the matter.
Deliveries of food aid have reached newly displaced persons in Shangil Tobaya, North Darfur, after fighting between rebel movements and government troops caused mass displacements in North and South Darfur.
Meanwhile, as voting begins on South Sudan's self-determination, Darfur's 20 polling centers have reported no significant security incidents. Over 23,000 South Sudanese are registered to cast their ballots in the region.
UNAMID patrols
UNAMID military conducted 108 patrols including routine, short-range, long-range, night and humanitarian escort patrols covering 70 villages and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
UNAMID police advisors conducted 94 patrols in villages and IDP camps.
Source: United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Sudan / Widespread Abuses Bode Ill for Referendum / Hold Security Forces Accountable for Violations in April 2010 Elections
30 Jun 2010 19:55 Africa/Lagos
Sudan / Widespread Abuses Bode Ill for Referendum / Hold Security Forces Accountable for Violations in April 2010 Elections
KARTHOUM, June 30, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Both national and southern Sudanese authorities should investigate human rights abuses connected to its April 2010 elections and bring to justice those responsible, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. Addressing the abuses is especially important as the country prepares for a referendum on self-determination in Southern Sudan, Human Rights Watch said.
The 32-page report, “Democracy on Hold: Rights Violations in the April 2010 Elections,” documents numerous rights violations across Sudan by both northern and southern authorities in the period leading up to, during, and following the April elections. These abuses include restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, particularly in northern Sudan, and widespread intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and physical violence against monitors and opponents of the incumbent parties by Sudanese security forces across the country. The report is based on research carried out between November 2009 and April 2010 in Khartoum and Southern Sudan.
“The national elections were an important milestone of the 2005 peace agreement, which was meant to pave the way forward for Sudan,” said Rona Peligal, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “But pushing the elections-related abuses under the rug would not bode well for the referendum coming up in January.”
The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended 22 years of civil war between northern and southern forces, called for Sudan to hold national elections and a referendum on southern self-determination. Southern Sudanese, including more than 1.5 million southerners living in Khartoum and northern states, will decide in the January 2011 vote whether to secede from the north.
Human Rights Watch called on the national unity government to enact genuine reforms called for in the peace agreement, including improvements to the national security apparatus. The national security law currently grants broad powers of search, seizure, and arrest, and allows for detention without judicial review for up to four and a half months, in violation of international law.
Human Rights Watch found that in the months leading up to the April elections the ruling National Congress Party suppressed peaceful assembly by opposition party members in the north and prevented free association and speech. During election week, there were fewer cases of such restrictions, but several cases of harassment, intimidation, and arrest of opposition members and elections observers.
In Southern Sudan, Human Rights Watch documented widespread intimidation, arbitrary arrest, detention, and mistreatment of opponents of the southern ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), as well as of election observers and voters, throughout the elections process in several southern states.
In addition to these rights violations, serious irregularities in the conduct of the election – such as multiple voting, ballot-stuffing, and other acts of fraud – undermined their legitimacy.
On April 26, the elections commission declared both ruling parties the winners in their regions following the vote-counting. Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur, was re-elected president of the national unity government.
In the weeks following the April elections, Human Rights Watch documented a worsening human rights situation across Sudan, with renewed repression in the north, incidents of elections-related violence in the south, and ongoing conflict in Darfur.
Human Rights Watch also called on Sudan to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, as required under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1593.
“The elections were supposed to help expand democracy in Sudan, but they have had the opposite effect,” Peligal said. “The electoral victory has essentially emboldened the ruling parties, particularly in the north, to crack down on opponents, activists, and journalists.”
The post-election crackdown in Khartoum included the May 15 arrest and detention of the opposition figure Hassan al-Turabi and of journalists, the arrest of Darfuri students, and the resumption of pre-print censorship leading to the suspension of three newspapers.
In early June, security forces violently repressed a peaceful demonstration by Sudanese doctors striking for better wages and working conditions, and detained six doctors without charge until June 24, when the doctors called off the strike. Two of them were subjected to physical mistreatment by national security officials.
In Southern Sudan, simmering disputes over election results between the ruling party and independent candidates have led to clashes between armed forces. In Jonglei state, for example, forces loyal to General George Athor, who unsuccessfully ran for state governor, have clashed with the southern army on multiple occasions since the results were announced. Vote-rigging and intimidation during the elections have led to anger and frustration in the south.
In Darfur, where many communities boycotted the elections process, the Sudanese government continues to carry out armed attacks on rebel factions and civilians, using both aerial bombs and ground forces. In May, this violence caused the highest death tolls in two years.
“Democracy on Hold” also examines the reaction of the international community to the widespread abuses during the elections. The report highlights how political considerations related to efforts to carry out the 2005 agreement, in particular the referendum, have made many international actors reluctant to criticize Sudan's human rights record.
“Sudan's international partners have a critical role to play in urging Sudanese authorities to end impunity for abuses,” Peligal said. “Timid silence on their part will both jeopardize the prospects for a peaceful and meaningful referendum and derail the democratic transformation envisioned by the peace agreement.”
Source: Human Right Watch (HRW)
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Sudan / Widespread Abuses Bode Ill for Referendum / Hold Security Forces Accountable for Violations in April 2010 Elections
KARTHOUM, June 30, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Both national and southern Sudanese authorities should investigate human rights abuses connected to its April 2010 elections and bring to justice those responsible, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. Addressing the abuses is especially important as the country prepares for a referendum on self-determination in Southern Sudan, Human Rights Watch said.
The 32-page report, “Democracy on Hold: Rights Violations in the April 2010 Elections,” documents numerous rights violations across Sudan by both northern and southern authorities in the period leading up to, during, and following the April elections. These abuses include restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, particularly in northern Sudan, and widespread intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and physical violence against monitors and opponents of the incumbent parties by Sudanese security forces across the country. The report is based on research carried out between November 2009 and April 2010 in Khartoum and Southern Sudan.
“The national elections were an important milestone of the 2005 peace agreement, which was meant to pave the way forward for Sudan,” said Rona Peligal, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “But pushing the elections-related abuses under the rug would not bode well for the referendum coming up in January.”
The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended 22 years of civil war between northern and southern forces, called for Sudan to hold national elections and a referendum on southern self-determination. Southern Sudanese, including more than 1.5 million southerners living in Khartoum and northern states, will decide in the January 2011 vote whether to secede from the north.
Human Rights Watch called on the national unity government to enact genuine reforms called for in the peace agreement, including improvements to the national security apparatus. The national security law currently grants broad powers of search, seizure, and arrest, and allows for detention without judicial review for up to four and a half months, in violation of international law.
Human Rights Watch found that in the months leading up to the April elections the ruling National Congress Party suppressed peaceful assembly by opposition party members in the north and prevented free association and speech. During election week, there were fewer cases of such restrictions, but several cases of harassment, intimidation, and arrest of opposition members and elections observers.
In Southern Sudan, Human Rights Watch documented widespread intimidation, arbitrary arrest, detention, and mistreatment of opponents of the southern ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), as well as of election observers and voters, throughout the elections process in several southern states.
In addition to these rights violations, serious irregularities in the conduct of the election – such as multiple voting, ballot-stuffing, and other acts of fraud – undermined their legitimacy.
On April 26, the elections commission declared both ruling parties the winners in their regions following the vote-counting. Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur, was re-elected president of the national unity government.
In the weeks following the April elections, Human Rights Watch documented a worsening human rights situation across Sudan, with renewed repression in the north, incidents of elections-related violence in the south, and ongoing conflict in Darfur.
Human Rights Watch also called on Sudan to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, as required under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1593.
“The elections were supposed to help expand democracy in Sudan, but they have had the opposite effect,” Peligal said. “The electoral victory has essentially emboldened the ruling parties, particularly in the north, to crack down on opponents, activists, and journalists.”
The post-election crackdown in Khartoum included the May 15 arrest and detention of the opposition figure Hassan al-Turabi and of journalists, the arrest of Darfuri students, and the resumption of pre-print censorship leading to the suspension of three newspapers.
In early June, security forces violently repressed a peaceful demonstration by Sudanese doctors striking for better wages and working conditions, and detained six doctors without charge until June 24, when the doctors called off the strike. Two of them were subjected to physical mistreatment by national security officials.
In Southern Sudan, simmering disputes over election results between the ruling party and independent candidates have led to clashes between armed forces. In Jonglei state, for example, forces loyal to General George Athor, who unsuccessfully ran for state governor, have clashed with the southern army on multiple occasions since the results were announced. Vote-rigging and intimidation during the elections have led to anger and frustration in the south.
In Darfur, where many communities boycotted the elections process, the Sudanese government continues to carry out armed attacks on rebel factions and civilians, using both aerial bombs and ground forces. In May, this violence caused the highest death tolls in two years.
“Democracy on Hold” also examines the reaction of the international community to the widespread abuses during the elections. The report highlights how political considerations related to efforts to carry out the 2005 agreement, in particular the referendum, have made many international actors reluctant to criticize Sudan's human rights record.
“Sudan's international partners have a critical role to play in urging Sudanese authorities to end impunity for abuses,” Peligal said. “Timid silence on their part will both jeopardize the prospects for a peaceful and meaningful referendum and derail the democratic transformation envisioned by the peace agreement.”
Source: Human Right Watch (HRW)
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Ibrahim Gambari Speaks at the Ceremony to end the conflict in Darfur
24 Feb 2010 12:37 Africa/Lagos
Speech delivered by UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari at the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement to end the conflict in Darfur
KARTHOUM, February 24, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Speech delivered by UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari at the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement to end the conflict in Darfur :
Your Highness, the Emir of Qatar,
Your Excellency, President Omar al-Bashir of the Republic of the Sudan,
Your Excellency, President Idriss Deby of the Republic of Chad,
Your Excellency, Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Distinguished Ministers, Special Envoys,
Dr. Khalil Ibrahim,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a great honor and privilege for me to participate at this auspicious occasion of the formal signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement. As the new AU and UN Joint Special Representative for the UN-African Union Mission in Sudan (UNAMID), I wish on behalf of my two organizations – the African Union and the United Nations – welcome the Framework Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan. We consider this a very important concrete step towards an inclusive and comprehensive peace agreement for Darfur on the basis of formal negotiations on the root causes of the conflict.
Since my assumption of duties in Darfur exactly a month ago, I have in all my meetings with all Sudanese stakeholders including His Excellency President Bashir, as well as in a phone conversation with Dr. Khalil Ibrahim indicated that two of my major priorities as the new Joint Special Representative are to pro-actively support the Mediation with a view to a speedy conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement; and to enhance and facilitate the security not only of UNAMID and humanitarian personnel, but equally the security and protection of the civilian populations of Darfur. The developments of the past few days and the ceremony we are witnessing here today are a testimony that we are on the right track, although there are many other steps we all need to take towards an all-inclusive comprehensive peace agreement.
I wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate the leadership of the Government of Sudan and that of the JEM for taking this important decision on behalf of their people. It is my hope that very soon; on-going efforts will materialize in similar accords with the other movements as soon as possible.
I also wish to express appreciation and thanks to [my two brothers], Minister Mahmoud and JCM Bassole for their continuing relentless efforts in the search for peace and stability in Darfur. I wish them similar successes such as this in the coming days and weeks, and they can continue to count on my full support and active encouragement.
Let me conclude my remarks by reassuring both the Government of Sudan and the JEM that UNAMID stands ready to support them as determined appropriate and relevant in the implementation of the provisions of the Framework Agreement and in subsequent negotiations and conclusion of a comprehensive and all-inclusive peace agreement.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for your attention.
Source: United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
24 Feb 2010
12:37
Speech delivered by UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari at the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement to end the conflict in Darfur
12:21
UNAMID welcomes Government of the Sudan, JEM move toward peace
23 Feb 2010
18:35
UK welcomes Sudan/Darfur ceasefire.
13:15
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
13:14
Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement Negotiate Agreement
22 Feb 2010
12:32
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
19 Feb 2010
15:00
Activists Nationwide Call On US Government to Withhold Support for Sham Sudanese Elections
10:33
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
10:30
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
18 Feb 2010
18:19
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Darfur – attack on UNAMID peacekeepers in South Darfur
17 Feb 2010
19:02
African Union Commission Chairperson Ping holds press conference on recent achievments by the commission
Speech delivered by UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari at the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement to end the conflict in Darfur
KARTHOUM, February 24, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Speech delivered by UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari at the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement to end the conflict in Darfur :
Your Highness, the Emir of Qatar,
Your Excellency, President Omar al-Bashir of the Republic of the Sudan,
Your Excellency, President Idriss Deby of the Republic of Chad,
Your Excellency, Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Distinguished Ministers, Special Envoys,
Dr. Khalil Ibrahim,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a great honor and privilege for me to participate at this auspicious occasion of the formal signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement. As the new AU and UN Joint Special Representative for the UN-African Union Mission in Sudan (UNAMID), I wish on behalf of my two organizations – the African Union and the United Nations – welcome the Framework Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan. We consider this a very important concrete step towards an inclusive and comprehensive peace agreement for Darfur on the basis of formal negotiations on the root causes of the conflict.
Since my assumption of duties in Darfur exactly a month ago, I have in all my meetings with all Sudanese stakeholders including His Excellency President Bashir, as well as in a phone conversation with Dr. Khalil Ibrahim indicated that two of my major priorities as the new Joint Special Representative are to pro-actively support the Mediation with a view to a speedy conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement; and to enhance and facilitate the security not only of UNAMID and humanitarian personnel, but equally the security and protection of the civilian populations of Darfur. The developments of the past few days and the ceremony we are witnessing here today are a testimony that we are on the right track, although there are many other steps we all need to take towards an all-inclusive comprehensive peace agreement.
I wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate the leadership of the Government of Sudan and that of the JEM for taking this important decision on behalf of their people. It is my hope that very soon; on-going efforts will materialize in similar accords with the other movements as soon as possible.
I also wish to express appreciation and thanks to [my two brothers], Minister Mahmoud and JCM Bassole for their continuing relentless efforts in the search for peace and stability in Darfur. I wish them similar successes such as this in the coming days and weeks, and they can continue to count on my full support and active encouragement.
Let me conclude my remarks by reassuring both the Government of Sudan and the JEM that UNAMID stands ready to support them as determined appropriate and relevant in the implementation of the provisions of the Framework Agreement and in subsequent negotiations and conclusion of a comprehensive and all-inclusive peace agreement.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for your attention.
Source: United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
24 Feb 2010
12:37
Speech delivered by UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari at the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement to end the conflict in Darfur
12:21
UNAMID welcomes Government of the Sudan, JEM move toward peace
23 Feb 2010
18:35
UK welcomes Sudan/Darfur ceasefire.
13:15
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
13:14
Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement Negotiate Agreement
22 Feb 2010
12:32
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
19 Feb 2010
15:00
Activists Nationwide Call On US Government to Withhold Support for Sham Sudanese Elections
10:33
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
10:30
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
18 Feb 2010
18:19
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Darfur – attack on UNAMID peacekeepers in South Darfur
17 Feb 2010
19:02
African Union Commission Chairperson Ping holds press conference on recent achievments by the commission
Friday, August 21, 2009
Sudan / UNAMID holds first round table meeting with signatories to Darfur Peace Agreement
20 Aug 2009 16:20 Africa/Lagos
Sudan / UNAMID holds first round table meeting with signatories to Darfur Peace Agreement
EL FASHER (DARFUR), August 20, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) yesterday convened a Round Table meeting of the Parties and Partners of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) on the implementation of the DPA chaired by UNAMID Joint Special representative (JSR), Mr. Rodolphe Adada
In his opening remarks, Mr. Adada stated that the meeting was convened primarily to provide the needed forum for the parties to the DPA including the signatories of the Declaration of commitment (DOC) to take stock and build a common understanding on issues related to DPA implementation, including challenges, and charged participants to seek to define responsibilities and roles, in so far as the implementation of the Agreement is concerned.
The JSR commended the signatories and participants for their commitment to dialogue, peace, reconciliation and development which he said led to the historic choice in Abuja, and subsequently paved the way and laid the foundation for the deployment of the Hybrid Operation in Darfur, adding that despite numerous challenges, UNAMID has, in accordance with its mandate, achieved significant success in the areas of protection of civilians, support to aid agencies in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, confidence and capacity building, as well as reconciliation and conflict prevention at local levels.
Mr. Adada underscored the role of the DPA Partners in the implementation of the Agreement and strongly called on them to re-activate the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission (D JAM) and finalize assessment particularly in areas where security could be guaranteed by UNAMID, adding “the Mission stands ready to provide whatever assistance is needed to move the D JAM process forward…those who embraced peace deserve to reap its dividends”, he concluded.
He urged all parties to support the ongoing peace process in order to succeed, “because that is the only way to go in order to give a new lease of life to the DPA and, by extension, to the people of Darfur”.
The participants welcomed the round table meeting and agreed that progress has been achieved in the implementation of the DPA. They however observed that a lot remains to be done to achieve full implementation, in particular as regards incorporation of the DPA into the interim National Constitution.
In expressing full commitment to the continuous implementation of the DPA, the participants called upon the international community to play a more active role in the implementation of the DPA. In particular, the parties requested the international community to re-activate the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission. Participants called upon UNAMID to play a stronger role in supporting effective implementation of the DPA as per its mandate. The meeting also agreed that the parties to the DPA have a crucial role to play in galvanizing the peace process.
The meeting further agreed that a mechanism be set up to monitor and assess the status of implementation of the DPA, including identification of remaining gaps and challenges that impede the implementation process and recommendation of appropriate measures.
Participants from the DPA parties included the Government team led by Dr. Omar Adam Rahamat from the Presidency, SLM (MM) led by Mr. Mini Minawi, and signatories of the Declaration of Commitment to the DPA, including (SLM Free Will), JEM (Peace Wing), SLM (Mother), and the popular Forces for Rights and Democracy (PFRD). The participating DPA Partners included representatives of the African Union, European Union, League of Arab States, Egypt, The Netherlands, Nigeria, United Kingdom and the United States of America. The Joint Mediation was represented by Deputy JCM Azouz Ennifar.
Sudan / UNAMID holds first round table meeting with signatories to Darfur Peace Agreement
EL FASHER (DARFUR), August 20, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) yesterday convened a Round Table meeting of the Parties and Partners of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) on the implementation of the DPA chaired by UNAMID Joint Special representative (JSR), Mr. Rodolphe Adada
In his opening remarks, Mr. Adada stated that the meeting was convened primarily to provide the needed forum for the parties to the DPA including the signatories of the Declaration of commitment (DOC) to take stock and build a common understanding on issues related to DPA implementation, including challenges, and charged participants to seek to define responsibilities and roles, in so far as the implementation of the Agreement is concerned.
The JSR commended the signatories and participants for their commitment to dialogue, peace, reconciliation and development which he said led to the historic choice in Abuja, and subsequently paved the way and laid the foundation for the deployment of the Hybrid Operation in Darfur, adding that despite numerous challenges, UNAMID has, in accordance with its mandate, achieved significant success in the areas of protection of civilians, support to aid agencies in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, confidence and capacity building, as well as reconciliation and conflict prevention at local levels.
Mr. Adada underscored the role of the DPA Partners in the implementation of the Agreement and strongly called on them to re-activate the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission (D JAM) and finalize assessment particularly in areas where security could be guaranteed by UNAMID, adding “the Mission stands ready to provide whatever assistance is needed to move the D JAM process forward…those who embraced peace deserve to reap its dividends”, he concluded.
He urged all parties to support the ongoing peace process in order to succeed, “because that is the only way to go in order to give a new lease of life to the DPA and, by extension, to the people of Darfur”.
The participants welcomed the round table meeting and agreed that progress has been achieved in the implementation of the DPA. They however observed that a lot remains to be done to achieve full implementation, in particular as regards incorporation of the DPA into the interim National Constitution.
In expressing full commitment to the continuous implementation of the DPA, the participants called upon the international community to play a more active role in the implementation of the DPA. In particular, the parties requested the international community to re-activate the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission. Participants called upon UNAMID to play a stronger role in supporting effective implementation of the DPA as per its mandate. The meeting also agreed that the parties to the DPA have a crucial role to play in galvanizing the peace process.
The meeting further agreed that a mechanism be set up to monitor and assess the status of implementation of the DPA, including identification of remaining gaps and challenges that impede the implementation process and recommendation of appropriate measures.
Participants from the DPA parties included the Government team led by Dr. Omar Adam Rahamat from the Presidency, SLM (MM) led by Mr. Mini Minawi, and signatories of the Declaration of Commitment to the DPA, including (SLM Free Will), JEM (Peace Wing), SLM (Mother), and the popular Forces for Rights and Democracy (PFRD). The participating DPA Partners included representatives of the African Union, European Union, League of Arab States, Egypt, The Netherlands, Nigeria, United Kingdom and the United States of America. The Joint Mediation was represented by Deputy JCM Azouz Ennifar.
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