Geneva,
September 28, 2012
The United States thank the Council for its efforts. We agree that the Independent Expert’s mandate should be continued and we are convinced that it must be strengthened. As outlined in the Independent Expert’s report, the Government of Sudan did not provide the IE with full access to the region. The IE cannot adequately complete his work without the full cooperation of the Government of Sudan. We strongly urge the Government of Sudan to begin working closely now with the IE in advance of his visits to arrange access to all parts of society and all areas of the country, including Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. The IE must be able to assess and verify the status of human rights and report on what he finds without hindrance. This resolution continues the IE’s mandate and makes these aspects of his mandate clear. We strongly support this strengthening of the IE’s mandate.
Sudan’s human rights record is one of persistent abuse and includes severe restrictions on peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and attacks on civilians in Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. We appreciate the attention this resolution will bring to these abuses as well as the threats facing demonstrators, civil society, and journalists. We join the Independent Expert’s call for a thorough and transparent investigation of every incident of harassment and violence.
We also call on the Government of Sudan to fulfill its commitments and immediately implement the Tripartite plan for humanitarian access in the Two Areas. We stress the urgency of delivering humanitarian relief supplies to the affected civilian populations, so as to avoid any further suffering or loss of life.
Thank you, Madame President.