U.S. Statement - September 27, 2006

Report of the Special Rapporteur on
the Human Rights Situation in the Sudan

Ms. Velia M. De Pirro
Alternate Representative, Human Rights Council

Thank you, Mr. President.

The Special Rapporteur should be commended for providing a thorough and often detailed overview of the situation in the Sudan following her first official mission to the Sudan. 

The report devoted significant attention to human rights abuses committed against the large numbers of internally displaced and the Government of Sudan's failure to prevent the abuses and protect these people. 

The report details the crisis of sexual violence against women and girls in Darfur, noting the significant number of rapes and sexual assaults occurring on the periphery of IDP camps.  Any follow-up visit by the Special Rapporteur should include further investigation and reporting on Sudanese actions/lack of action to reduce incidences of sexual violence in Darfur. 

The Special Rapporteur also noted the Government of National Unity's slowness to implement the new human rights government bodies mandated by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and enshrined in the Interim National Constitution.  Any follow-up investigation should include an update on the continued lack of progress in standing up the Human Rights Commission and the Commission for the Rights of non-Muslims in Khartoum.

The Special Rapporteur reported on forced relocation of the internally displaced and impoverished urban dwellers, a government action that continues in Sudan and requires further investigation.

Thank you, Mr. President.