EP - Sudan crimes 'tantamount to genocide'

Motion for a resolution on the humanitarian situation in Sudan Doc.: B5-0065/2004 Vote: 16.09.2004

Vote

In the resolution on Darfur adopted today, MEPs underlined the need for dialogue and political negotiation rather than military intervention. A delegation of six MEPs visited Darfur from 2 to 7 September and met many refugees, including those at the Zamzam camp which no other high level delegation had yet visited. MEPs recalled that the refugees and IDPs its delegation met in Chad said that they all belonged to non-Arab tribes. MEPs urge the "Sudanese authorities to end impunity and to bring to justice immediately the planners and perpetrators of crimes against humanity, war crimes and human rights violations, which can be construed as tantamount to genocide." MEPs were prudent in the use of the term so as not to devalue it but they underline the gravity of the crimes committed against humanity.

MEPs strongly condemned the Sudanese government for its support of the militia and the impunity accorded to them. The European Parliament delegation was able to establish that the government's forces continued to violate the cease-fire by using the Sudanese airforce to support the militias' attacks against the civilian population. To end this situation, MEP call on the UN Security Council to consider a total embargo on arms as well as other targeted sanctions against those responsible for the atrocities, but also ensuring that the sanctions do not add to the suffering of the population. They also recall that the governance of Sudan has, for decades, been characterised by persistent mismanagement, by underdevelopment and by the economic and political marginalisation of certain communities and regions and that this situation is at the root of the conflict in Darfur, as is the undemocratic nature of the present regime.

MEPs stated that there were in favour of a political solution rather than a military one. They therefore call on the Sudanese government to invest more in the negotiations with rebel forces. The House wishes to see a global solution to be found, both for peace in Darfur (following the negotiations in Abuja) as well as in the South of the country. For the South, MEPs state that the peace agreement, following the Naivasha (Kenya) process must be finalised. In order to ensure the safety of civilians, MEPs call for consideration to be given to the establishment of an international police force to increase protection and security for civilians at risk and with a view to advising and supporting the Sudanese police and to restoring civilians' confidence and sense of security. MEPs therefore stress the need for the rapid disbursement of the EU funding for the humanitarian assistance operation and for the African Union.

MEPs were particularly concerned at the plight of women in Sudan, where many have been raped and have lost children. The House calls on the Sudanese authorities to protect refugee children, especially unaccompanied minors, as laid down in the relevant Conventions.

The resolution was adopted with 566 votes in favour, 6 against, with 16 abstentions. The European Parliament delegation was composed of Luisa MORGANTINI (GUE/NGL, IT) Head of delegation, Jana HYBASKOVA (EPP-ED, CZ), Glenys KINNOCK (PES, UK), Ana GOMES (PES, PT), Fiona HALL (ALDE/ADLE, UK) and Emma BONINO (ALDE/ADLE, IT).

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• Commissioners Nielson and Patten met UN Special Representative for Darfur (28/9/2004)