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Sudan govt 'fails' Darfuris
11/03/2008 08:28 - (SA)
Khartoum - The Sudanese government and rebel groups operating in the country's war-torn western region of Darfur have failed to protect civilians in areas under their control and have violated international human rights, says the United Nations special human rights envoy.
Simar Samar was the latest UN official to express concern about the deteriorating security situation in Darfur caused by increased fighting between the government and rebel groups.
"I received reports of killings, sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention and impunity for such crimes," Samar told reporters in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, where she was wrapping up a visit to the country that began on February 27.
The Darfur conflict started five years ago after ethnic African tribesmen took up arms, complaining of decades of neglect and discrimination by the Sudanese government.
Sudan's Arab-dominated government was accused of responding by unleashing the tribal militia known as janjaweed, which had committed the worst atrocities against Darfur's local communities.
Human rights violations
At least 200 000 people had been killed and 2.5 million displaced in the violence.
Samar said she visited the village of Abu Suruj in West Darfur, which was attacked last month by the government and militia, along with the towns of Sirba and Sileia.
She said serious human rights violations were committed during the attack, including attacks on civilians, forced displacement and extensive destruction of private property. She demanded an investigation to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
The UN official said the government had been helpful in providing her information on steps taken to combat violence against women in Darfur. But she criticised Khartoum for preventing her from visiting communities in the Nile valley that were being affected by two dams that were being constructed.
"The visit was canceled by the state security committee the day before I was scheduled to travel to the area," said Samar. "The reasons provided by the government did not justify their decision to prevent access."
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