UN Special Rapporteur: Events in Darfur Do Not Constitute Ethnic Cleansing

News Article in Sudan Vision

14 June 2004

www.sudanvisiondaily.com

UN Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial executions Asma Jihangir praised the ceasefire in Darfur calling on Sudan government and the international community to do their utmost to resolve problem confronted by the people of Darfur.

The International Official at a press conference held yesterday at UN office in Khartoum rejected describing events in Darfur as amounting to ethnic cleansing adding that the tolerance of Sudanese people, which she felt during her visit, dismisses that as irrelevant. The rapporteur appreciated government facilitation of her mission by providing her with transportation to all the regions she visited to meet with all individuals whom she deemed it was necessary to know their opinions. Jihangir reviewed the content of the report she will submit to the UN on extra-judicial execution, stating that the report will concentrate on summary trials, assault on civilians, death cases during the tension and violation of execution regulations specially that of juveniles. The UN official called on the government to investigate death sentences inflected on individuals who were less than 18 years of age when they committed the crimes. She also called on the government to adopt interrogation while dealing with human rights violations. The UN Special Rapporteur said the security condition in Darfur blocked her from verifying the alleged executions and assassinations, demanding that the government present facts, information and explanations to the international community.