Daily Darfur: But look at all we're doing right!

Yesterday, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Sudan Sima Samar presented a report to the Human Rights Council based on her recent travels to the country. The bottom line:

"The human rights situation in the Sudan remains critical"

The rapporteur included reports of arbitrary arrest, resource gaps in administration of justice, harassment and torture of human rights defenders, and focuses in on the government's reaction to the Justice and Equality Movement attacks in May, 2008, which included the death penalty for many accused participatnts in the attacks - including child soldiers.  The report also highlighted the government's expulsion of NGOs in early March, 2009.

In Darfur, ongoing fighting between the government and rebels and the impact on civilians, attacks on peacekeepers, sexual violence and violence against women and children, and persecution of human rights defenders and NGO staff.  In addition:

"One key concern remains the direct and indirect attacks on civilians by Government security forces, Government supported militia groups, and armed movements. Various armed groups have fractionalized, resulting in increased abuses against the civilian population and challenges to resolution of the conflict through current peace talks. As in other parts of Sudan, sexual and gender-based violence continues to be reported, in particular in IDP camps."

In South Sudan insecurity, violence and displacement continue.  According to the rapporteur, the legacy of the civil war, plus incursions by the Lord's Resistance Army from Northern Uganda, add to the instability.

After Samar's presentation, the Human Rights Council hosted an "interactive dialogue".  As might be expected, this interactive dialogue meant some countries' representatives took the opportunity to highlight the important work of the special rapporteur, some countries highlighted the importance of helping the people of Sudan... and the Sudanese representative took the opportunity to emphasize the "constant efforts made on behalf of the Government of National Unity that had not been reflected".  But, Samar shot back:

"They have to acknowledge their problems. The denials of the problem is not going to help."

Not sure that's going to happen.

Because of "the continuing lack of civilian protection and rule of law mechanisms in Darfur and Southern Sudan in the context of ongoing insecurity" Human Rights Watch urged the UN to extend the rapporteur's mandate. However, the Government of Sudan (I'm sure you know what's coming...) is asking other countries to stand with them against renewal of the mandate after the council's three week session.

And in honor of Michelle - "Quickies":

The Enough Project reports that Special Envoy Gration will be briefing the media this morning at 10:15 Eastern on his recent travels and the Administration's efforts for peace in Sudan.

iAct/Stop Genocide Now are on their 3rd day in refugee camps in Chad.  Check out photos from their trip.

Photo of Sima Samar from the Sudan Tribune.