Demanding concerted international action to end the tragedy in Darfur, UK Euro MP Jean Lambert, has today called on the UN to act on its responsibility following the failure of the Sudanese Government to protect its population from horrifying war crimes and to set a date after which it will open humanitarian corridors.
The Government of Sudan and rebel groups agreed to a 60-day ceasefire at the beginning of January this year, but indiscriminate attacks on civilians and aid workers continue with what aid agencies are describing as ‘violence on a scale not seen before in Darfur.’
Jean, London’s Green MEP, has today submitted a resolution together with Parliament’s other political parties calling on the EU Council and Commission to end the ongoing devastation. Jean commented; “Human Rights abuses and violations of humanitarian law in Darfur continue on a daily basis where on average 14 deaths occur every hour.
“Sexual violence against women and children has been recognised as a weapon of war yet, despite reassurances from the Sudanese Government, such violence continues to be used, unabated, by parties in the Darfur conflict. We have to end this culture of impunity.
“The UN has a responsibility to protect, and Darfur is a genuine case for such protection. Whilst tension in Darfur threatens international peace and security, and the Government in Sudan fail to act, it is vital that we make our efforts effective and help those in need to survive.”
ENDS
For more information please contact:Morwenna Holland, Media Officertel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812 email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors: Jean Lambert: In October 2005 Jean was named MEP 2005 for Justice and Human Rights. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament.