U.S. Statement on the Follow Up of HRC Decisions

Report of the High-Level Mission on the
situation of human rights in Darfur
pursuant to Human Rights Council decision S-4/101

Ambassador Warren W. Tichenor

March 16, 2007

Thank you, Mr. President,

The United States welcomes the report of the High-Level Assessment Mission, led very ably by Ms. Williams, which confirms unequivocally the tragic and ongoing violence in the region.  There should be no further doubt - as we heard this December - that the situation demands action by the Government of Sudan and by this very Council.  It is important to make clear that the international community respects human life.

We are deeply disappointed that, after its extensive engagement in the Council’s Special Session that established this Mission, the Government of Sudan refused to cooperate and denied that Mission access to the country.  This Council, now armed with the information it requested in December – must act.  The world is watching.  The people of Darfur, and increasingly, the people of Chad and the Central African Republic, who are now victims of the region’s instability, are watching. 

The United States calls on this Council to review this report carefully, and accept the Mission’s recommendation to establish a credible follow-up mechanism with a specific focus on Darfur.  The victims of this crisis deserve no less. 

The United States again calls on the Government of Sudan, and all armed groups to pursue a peaceful resolution to the crisis and abide by their agreements with the international community. 

This Council is empowered to influence the events on the ground – do not let this opportunity go to waste.  Respond to the call for action from countless non-governmental organizations, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, former Secretary General Kofi Annan, the High Commissioner, and others around the globe.  Demand that all involved in this crisis, including the Government of Sudan, choose peace.  Establish a special mechanism to help them do so. 

This Council must continue to adequately respond to situations like Sudan, and provide effective follow-up to its actions if it is to become a credible body.

Thank you, Mr. President.