‘Darfur displaced in urgent need of secure environment’: UN Independent Expert

The newly appointed UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, Aristide Nononsi, has called on the Sudanese government and the international community to create and maintain a secure environment for the displaced in Darfur. 

During his first mission to the country, from 13 to 23 May, Nononsi visited Abu Shouk camp for the displaced in North Darfur, and Otash and Dereig camps in South Darfur.

“Most of the displaced have expressed their willingness to return to their homeland, if there is an improvement of the security situation,” he reported. Yet, they “remain anxious about the security situation in their areas of origin, as well as the restoration of a sustainable peace in the region,” a press release by the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner today reads.

The human rights expert drew special attention to the fact that the displaced live in a state of insecurity, owing to the presence of various armed elements and criminality that occur within the region.

“I strongly urge all parties to the conflict to respect international human rights and international humanitarian law, and to ensure humanitarian access at all time, and the protection of civilians,” he said. 

He further called on the government and the international community to support the displaced, “who live in very precarious conditions, and respond in the process to the economic, social and cultural rights of these civilians.”

‘Political engagement’

The human rights expert stressed that the key to the resolution of the ongoing conflicts and the improvement of the human rights situation in the war-torn western region lies in the political engagement exerted by the warring parties, and the ending of impunity for those who violate human rights and international humanitarian law.

He urged the parties to “put the people of Sudan’s interest first, and return to the negotiation table to resolve their outstanding differences, so as to bring peace and stability in the region”.