Government 'concerned' over relocations of Darfur refugees

The government has said that it is "extremely concerned" at the forced relocations of people in camps in Darfur over the past few days.

In a joint statement on Sudan by the secretaries of state for foreign affairs and international development, Jack Straw and Hillary Benn, the Khartoum government was accused of breaching International Humanitarian Law and the established mechanisms on relocations.

The statement was made in the wake of video evidence gathered by BBC journalist Fergal Keane which showed government militias breaking up a refugee camp with tear gas.

The statement said: "We have made very clear to the government of Sudan that all returns must be voluntary and appropriate and carried out in full and prior consultation with the international community, as agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding between the government of Sudan and the International Organisation for Migration. Our Embassy in Khartoum has already raised the issue with the government of Sudan and continues to follow the situation closely."

The government called on all parties to work immediately with the African Union and the international community to create an environment that is "vital for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the innocent victims of the current crisis and the necessary space for a political resolution to this conflict".

The Lib Dems spokesperson on international development, Tom Brake, accused the Sudanese of "failing to control and disarm the Janjaweed militia".

He added: "Sudan's oil-hungry friends on the Security Council should not help Sudan escape the threat of UN sanctions. Sudan must make good its promises on Darfur and comply with UN resolutions and co-operate with the African Union mission."

“The Sudanese government must halt violations of international humanitarian law and it must re-start peace talks.”

(gmcg)