Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 October 2004
Darfur aid hampered by security and transport problems
Lack of security and restrictions on transport are hampering the delivery and distribution of humanitarian relief to the massive population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the strife-torn Darfur region, the UN Advance Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS) has reported.
Darfur aid hampered by security and transport problems
Lack of security and restrictions on transport are hampering the delivery and distribution of humanitarian relief to the massive population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the strife-torn Darfur region, the UN Advance Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS) has reported.
22 July 2004
$200m funding shortfall threatens progress in Sudan crisis: UN
Humanitarian assistance for the crisis-hit Darfur region is under threat from a $200 million shortfall in funding, and a lack of will from the Sudanese government, the UN has said.
$200m funding shortfall threatens progress in Sudan crisis: UN
Humanitarian assistance for the crisis-hit Darfur region is under threat from a $200 million shortfall in funding, and a lack of will from the Sudanese government, the UN has said.
23 July 2004
Sudanese must protect refugees, warn Annan and Powell
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and US Secretary of State Colin Powell have issued a joint warning to the Sudanese Government to protect civilians affected by the Darfur humanitarian crisis.
Sudanese must protect refugees, warn Annan and Powell
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and US Secretary of State Colin Powell have issued a joint warning to the Sudanese Government to protect civilians affected by the Darfur humanitarian crisis.
17 May 2007
Nearly 200 crimes missed by DNA failings
Nearly 200 crimes went undetected due to failings over DNA samples, it has been revealed. The failure to archive DNA evidence resulted in 183 crimes going undetected, including one paedophile offence, three robberies, nine burglaries, 19 drugs offences and 62 thefts, the National DNA Database annual report revealed.
Nearly 200 crimes missed by DNA failings
Nearly 200 crimes went undetected due to failings over DNA samples, it has been revealed. The failure to archive DNA evidence resulted in 183 crimes going undetected, including one paedophile offence, three robberies, nine burglaries, 19 drugs offences and 62 thefts, the National DNA Database annual report revealed.
24 November 2003
DNA-testing on prisoners solves 64 old crimes
Police have cleared up 64 old crimes - including murder, rape and robbery – and are reinvestigating a further 78 unsolved crimes following DNA testing of prisoners and mentally disordered offenders, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced today.
DNA-testing on prisoners solves 64 old crimes
Police have cleared up 64 old crimes - including murder, rape and robbery – and are reinvestigating a further 78 unsolved crimes following DNA testing of prisoners and mentally disordered offenders, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
