MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

4.4.2006

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Luisa Morgantini and Gabriele Zimmer,
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on the human rights situation in the Sudanese region of Darfur

B6‑0260/2006

European Parliament resolution on the human rights situation in the Sudanese region of Darfur

The European Parliament,

-  having regard to its previous resolutions on Darfur,

-  having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  worried by the ongoing violence and continued violation of human rights in the Sudanese region of Darfur, where "Janjaweed militias" are continuing to attack civilians and humanitarian aid workers,

B.  whereas the African Union Mission in Sudan has been extended until 30 September after which the international presence will be directly guaranteed by the UN,

C.  whereas despite the presence of African Union forces in the region, civilians living in the camps for displaced persons in Darfur continue to suffer regular attacks, including intentional killings, rape and torture, by the government-backed militias in Darfur and other armed groups,

D.  shocked by the case of the rape of Ms Amouna Mohamed Ahmed (17 years), Ms Fayza Ismail Abaker (16), Ms Houda Ismail Abdel Rahman (17) and Ms Zahra Adam Abdela (17) who were unlawfully arrested on 6 March 2006 by the Sudanese police in "Seraif's Internally Displaced Camp", in Southern Darfur, after two armed militia's men raped them whilst they were collecting firewood outside the camp,

E.  whereas, according to the United Nations estimation, around 3,5 million people are affected by the conflict, 1,8 million of whom have been internally displaced and 200 000 have fled to neighbouring Chad,

F.  whereas despite the signing of a ceasefire in April 2004, continued violation of the ceasefire has contributed to increased insecurity which is causing serious problems for delivery of humanitarian aid to the population in need,

G.  recalling that the Darfur conflict erupted in 2003 when rebel groups took up arms against the government and that the conflict has caused the killing of hundred of thousands of civilians, sexual violence against women, internal displacement of the population and the starvation of thousands of children,

H.  recalling that the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened an investigation into the crime in Darfur in June 2005,

1.  Calls the UN Security Council to consider a global arms embargo on Sudan and other targeted sanctions against those responsible for massive abuses of human rights and other atrocities and to ensure that any such sanctions do not add to the suffering of the population of Sudan;

2.  Urges the Sudanese authorities to end impunity and to bring to justice immediately the planners and perpetrators of human rights violations;

3.  On the case of the four raped young Sudanese girls:

• i.Calls on the immediate release of Ms. Amouna Mohamed Ahmed, Ms. Fayza Ismail Abaker, Ms. Houda Ismail Abdel Rahman and Ms. Zahra Adam Abdella; calls on the Sudanese authorities to take care of the physical and psychological integrity of the four girls;
• ii.Asks for an immediate investigation into these events, in order to identify the men concerned and all those responsible for this crime and to bring them to justice;
• iii.Asks to the Sudanese authorities to ensure that women are freed from discrimination, including violence, in line with the international laws and standards;

4.  Calls on all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from the recruitment and use of child soldiers and calls on the Sudanese authorities to protect displaced children, especially unaccompanied minors, as laid down in the relevant UN Conventions;

5.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Government and Parliament of Sudan, the African Union and the UN Secretary-General.