Summary: March 31, 2004: European Parliament - The situation in Sudan
Motion for a resolution pursuant to Rule 104a of the Rules of Procedure by the Committee on Development and Co-operation on the Sudan
Doc.: B5-0153/2004
Vote: 31.03.2004
Vote
Following the visit of a European Parliament delegation to Sudan from 19-24 February this year, MEPs adopted a joint resolution by 493 votes in favour, 6 against and 12 abstentions on the situation in Sudan. The House criticises systematic delays and obstruction by the Government of the Sudan with regard to access by humanitarian aid workers, in violation of the principle of the neutrality of humanitarian aid, and calls on the Government of the Sudan and rebel groups operating in Darfur to
allow the United Nations, other aid organisations and ECHO permanent access to all regions of Darfur without restriction.
MEPs strongly condemn the targeting by the Janjaweed militias of civilians in the villages and in centres for displaced persons, which includes killings, the use of sexual violence against women, looting and general harassment, as well as forced recruitment, including of children. Parliament notes with the utmost concern the recent public statement made by Dr Mukesh Kaplia, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, stating that the situation in Darfur is akin to the biggest humanitarian and
human rights crisis or catastrophe in the world today and that the violence in Darfur appears to be particularly targeted at a specific group, based on their ethnic identity, and appears to be systemised.
MEPs highlight the overwhelming evidence collected by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, NGOs and journalists as to the Government of the Sudan's complicity in the atrocities committed by the Janjaweed militia against civilians in Darfur. The House calls on all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from the recruitment and use of child soldiers under the age of 18.
Parliament welcomes the progress in negotiations on a peace agreement between the Sudanese Government and the SPLM/A in Naivasha, Kenya. MEPs draw attention to the political importance of the peace process between the Sudanese Government and the SPLM/A in bringing to an end one of the longest-running conflicts in Africa, which has claimed almost two million lives and displaced four million people. The House insists, however, that peace in the Sudan can only be considered to be achieved when all
parties involved in areas of conflict across the country agree to, and respect, a cease-fire, and when peace processes involving community and tribal leaders, MPs, civil society and women's groups as well as the warring factions have been undertaken and concluded, including in Darfur.
MEPs also note with concern that the sanctions imposed for adultery under Sharia law are detrimental to women in particular, as the evidence requirements are virtually never satisfied in the case of men whereas a pregnant woman is automatically considered guilty. Finally, the House considers that the application of elements of Sharia law is in breach of international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Sudan is a signatory.
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