SOUTH DARFUR FIGHTING MUST CEASE FOR SAKE OF SUFFERING CIVILIANS – UN RIGHTS CHIEF

SOUTH DARFUR FIGHTING MUST CEASE FOR SAKE OF SUFFERING CIVILIANS – UN RIGHTS CHIEF
New York, Feb 3 2009 9:10AM
The top United Nations human rights official today voiced her alarm at reports of the worsening conditions for civilians in the South Darfur town of Muhajeria, where fighting between Sudanese Government forces and rebels has led to at least 30 deaths and uprooted some 30,000 people.

"I'm extremely concerned at the impact the fighting is having on the already dire humanitarian situation in Muhajeria," said High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

The fighting which broke out on 15 January in the area between Government forces and the Sudanese Liberation Army/Mini Minawi faction (SLA/MM) against the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) has exposed tens of thousands of civilians to violence, destroyed an aid agency's office and forced the UN to relocate its staff.

Ms. Pillay called on the Government and both the armed groups involved to allow access to humanitarian relief, in order to prevent a further deterioration of the situation in Muhajeria.

The violence has led to at least 30 deaths, including women and children, with dozens more wounded, according to a news release from the High Commissioner's Office. Of the 30,000 people uprooted by the fighting, about 5,000 have sought refuge in the vicinity of an African Union-UN mission in Darfur (UNAMID) military camp in Muhajeria, while many others have fled to other destinations on the outskirts of the town

"The fighting is reported to have involved ground offensives and indiscriminate aerial bombardment by Government forces that failed to distinguish between civilian communities and military targets," Ms. Pillay said. "JEM forces are also reported to have deliberately placed themselves in areas heavily populated by civilians, thereby jeopardizing their safety."

International humanitarian law is binding on both State and non-State actors, including armed groups, Ms. Pillay reminded all parties, calling on them to respect their obligations, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians.

The High Commissioner added her voice to the call made by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a statement issued on Sunday, urging all parties to the conflict to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities. "The fighting must stop, and the warring parties need to join the peace process," she stressed.
Feb 3 2009 9:10AM
________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/