Sudan: CSW supports calls for an urgent inquiry

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has joined calls for an urgent investigation into human rights violations in South Kordofan, following a leaked report by the United Nations Missions in Sudan (UNMIS) Human Rights Section, that accuses the Government of Sudan of egregious abuses against members of the Nuba ethnic group, and of actively obstructing UNMIS peacekeeping efforts in Southern Kordofan since conflict erupted on 5 June 2011.

The “UNMIS Report on the Human Rights Situation in Southern Kordofan” confirms information emerging from sources on the ground detailing such abuses as the targeting, extra-judicial and summary executing of suspected Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) supporters and ethnic Nuba in Kadugli, including women and children; the targeting of churches and congregations; the systematic destruction of Nuban homes; the daily aerial bombardment of civilian areas and the possible use of chemical substances.

While acknowledging that “both parties to the conflict have engaged in acts against civilians throughout the course of the recent conflict […] that breach relevant national and international laws, including violation of their obligations under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005,” the report stresses that “the conduct of the [Sudan Armed Forces] SAF has been especially egregious. Instead of distinguishing between civilians and combatants and accordingly directing their military operations only against military targets, the SAF and allied paramilitary forces have targeted members and supporters of the SPLM/A, most of whom are Nubans and other dark skinned people”.

The report also accuses northern paramilitaries, the SAF and the government security apparatus of “violent and unlawful acts against UNMIS”, including shelling in close proximity to UN property and the summary execution of a UN national staff member. It calls for an immediate end to the aerial bombardment, humanitarian access to displaced civilians, a negotiated settlement between the Government of Sudan and the Nuban people and “an independent and comprehensive investigation […] into violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws in Southern Kordofan with the view to bringing those who bear the greatest responsibility to justice, including referral as appropriate to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC)”.

CSW’s Special Ambassador Stuart Windsor said, “This report is yet another confirmation, if one was still needed, that appalling human rights violations are currently underway in South Kordofan. Not for the first time the Sudanese regime has unleashed unspeakable violence against its own citizens in a manner that is at the very least comparable to the events that precipitated international action against the Gaddafi regime. It is deeply worrying that the international response remains so muted, given mounting evidence of possible war crimes targeting a specific people group. CSW reiterates its appeal for immediate and robust international action to end the current violence, and fully endorses calls for an urgent international investigation into events in Southern Kordofan with a view to bringing identified perpetrators and planners of human rights abuses before the ICC”.

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Notes to Editors:

1. In June, and following a review and verification of eyewitness accounts, the Sudan Council of Churches released a statement expressing deep concern and dismay at “the atrocities committed against the innocent civilians in Abyei and Southern Kordofan resulting from indiscriminate air bombardment of the civilian targets, looting and destruction of their properties including churches and church institutions… massive killings of innocent civilians including summarily execution of individuals suspected to be sympathisers of SPLM”, and calling for an “end to hostilities, and for “the AU, IGAD and Arab League to hold the two parties to the CPA accountable to fully implement the remaining items of the CPA.”