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01/02/2005
UN calls for war crimes trials and sanctions on Sudan
A United Nations report into whether genocide occurred in the war-torn Darfur region of Sudan, has stated that the government and Janjaweed militia are responsible for crimes under international law.
The report declared: "Crimes against humanity and war crimes that have been committed in Darfur may be no less serious and heinous than genocide".
Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the region and as many as 1.85 million people have either been internally displaced or forced to flee to neighbouring Chad, since rebel groups took up arms against government forces in early 2003.
Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has recommended that the dossier should be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and he called on the Security Council to consider possible sanctions.
The report, which was conducted by a UN-appointed commission of inquiry, found "credible evidence" that indicated that rebel forces were responsible for serious violations, which may amount to war crimes, including the murder of civilians and pillage in the region. Mr Annan said that these violations continued even as the inquiry was being conducted.
The report concluded that the Sudan government had "not pursued a policy of genocide" although it stated, "in some instances individuals, including government officials, may commit acts with genocidal intent". Mr Annan said that only a competent court could decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether this was the case in Darfur.
The commission gave Mr Annan a sealed file of names of people it believes were responsible for serious violations, including crimes against humanity and war crimes and recommended that it be given to a competent prosecutor. They also recommended that the Security Council should immediately refer the situation in Darfur to the ICC.
Mr Annan said: "My own support for the ICC is well known, but this is a decision for the Security Council, not for me. What is vital is that these people are indeed held accountable. Such grave crimes cannot be committed with impunity. That would be a terrible betrayal of the victims and of potential future victims in Darfur and elsewhere."
(KMcA/SP)
The report declared: "Crimes against humanity and war crimes that have been committed in Darfur may be no less serious and heinous than genocide".
Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the region and as many as 1.85 million people have either been internally displaced or forced to flee to neighbouring Chad, since rebel groups took up arms against government forces in early 2003.
Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has recommended that the dossier should be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and he called on the Security Council to consider possible sanctions.
The report, which was conducted by a UN-appointed commission of inquiry, found "credible evidence" that indicated that rebel forces were responsible for serious violations, which may amount to war crimes, including the murder of civilians and pillage in the region. Mr Annan said that these violations continued even as the inquiry was being conducted.
The report concluded that the Sudan government had "not pursued a policy of genocide" although it stated, "in some instances individuals, including government officials, may commit acts with genocidal intent". Mr Annan said that only a competent court could decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether this was the case in Darfur.
The commission gave Mr Annan a sealed file of names of people it believes were responsible for serious violations, including crimes against humanity and war crimes and recommended that it be given to a competent prosecutor. They also recommended that the Security Council should immediately refer the situation in Darfur to the ICC.
Mr Annan said: "My own support for the ICC is well known, but this is a decision for the Security Council, not for me. What is vital is that these people are indeed held accountable. Such grave crimes cannot be committed with impunity. That would be a terrible betrayal of the victims and of potential future victims in Darfur and elsewhere."
(KMcA/SP)
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