MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Sudan, the case of Dr. Amin Mekki Medani

16.12.2014 - (2014/3000(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 135 of the Rules of Procedure

Judith Sargentini, Barbara Lochbihler, Michèle Rivasi, Maria Heubuch, Heidi Hautala, Ernest Urtasun on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-0389/2014

B8‑0389/2014

European Parliament resolution on Sudan, the case of Dr. Amin Mekki Medani

(2014/3000(RSP))

The European Parliament,

 

–       Having regard to its previous resolutions,

–       having regard to Rule 135 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  Worried by the arrest of Dr. Amin Mekki Medani, a renowned human rights activist and former President of the Sudan Human Rights Monitor (SHRM) , in Khartoum on the evening of December 6, 2014 by the Sudanese National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS);

B.  Whereas Dr. Medani is signatory of the “Sudan Call” to end war and conflicts and establish a State of Citizenship and Democracy to pave the way for legal, institutional and economic reforms; Whereas representatives of political and armed opposition parties, including the National Umma Party, the National Consensus Forces and the Sudan Revolutionary Front and Dr. Medani representing Civil Society Initiative are among signatories;

C.  Whereas governments in Africa have the prime responsibility to address the political, economic and social concerns of their citizens; whereas conflict between government and citizens must be solved by political means through negotiations,

D.  Whereas the arrest of Dr. Medanis constitutes a clear demonstration of the Sudanese government's policy of crackdown against human rights defenders who advocate for peaceful and democratic reforms;

E.  Worried by the recent worsening situation of human right in Sudan where the security forces have intensified harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention, forced disappearance and killings of human rights activists and political opponents, journalists;

 

1.  Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Medanis and other political opposition activists, and human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily arrested and detained;

2.  Calls on the Sudanese government to respect the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights including the right to life and physical integrity, freedom of association and freedom of assembly;

3.  Calls for an independent investigation of human rights violation and calls to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards for fair trial;

4.  Urges the Sudanese authorities to end impunity and to bring to justice immediately those responsible for human rights violations; emphasises the importance of an independent, impartial and accessible judiciary system to put an end to impunity, to enhance respect for rule of law and fundamental rights of the population,

5.  Urges the Sudanese government to work for a peaceful solution of the country's problem together with opposition leaders and civil society actors , which implies respect for freedom of speech and of association;

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