USA joins call for full access to Tabit, North Darfur

The USA has added its voice to the chorus of international reaction to allegations of a mass rape of women and girls in Tabit, North Darfur on 31 October, calling for unrestricted access to the area by Unamid and the UN. In a press statement on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said that the USA is deeply concerned by allegations of mass rape by Sudanese military forces in Tabit, North Darfur. “While we take note that the Government of Sudan recently allowed access to Unamid to investigate these allegations, we regret the fact that initial access was denied, and after significant delays, access to potential witnesses and victims was only allowed under close observation of Sudanese security officials. Such behavior calls into question Sudan’s compliance with the Security Council’s call to ‘remove all obstacles to Unamid’s full and proper discharge of its mandate including securing freedom of movement in conflict affected areas.’ “The United States urges the Government of Sudan to fulfil its obligation to grant immediate, unhindered, and full access to Unamid and other UN agencies. We encourage Unamid to continue its investigations and protection of civilians in an environment free from intimidation. We remain focused on seeing an end to violence against civilians in Sudan and stress that victims must be provided medical treatment and psychosocial support.” The United States calls on the Sudanese authorities to end the culture of impunity by allowing Unamid and the National Human Rights Commission to conduct credible, thorough and timely investigations and to hold accountable all those found to be responsible,” Psaki concludes.File picture: Flag of the US Department of StateRelated:Darfur rape allegations: EU, Norway call for accountability (12 November 2014) Political parties demand new inquiry into North Darfur rape (12 November 2014) Darfur Bar asks UN for independent inquiry on rape allegations (12 November 2014)