UN SUDAN BULLETIN
2006 UN Sudan Bulletins
2005 UN Sudan Bulletins
Bulletins generally sum up the main events, incidents and developments on the ground in the various areas of UNMIS operation in Sudan. As public records of occurrences, the reports include statements and accounts from a wide range of sources and witnesses such as the internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, representatives of the Government, rebel movements, non-governmental organizations and others. As such, statements and accounts cited in the Bulletin and quoted from such individuals do not necessarily reflect the views of UNMIS.
2007 BULLETINS
FEBRUARY
JANUARY
UN Sudan Bulletin 04 Feb.UN Sudan Bulletin 02 Feb.UN Sudan Bulletin 01 Feb.
UN Sudan Bulletin 31 Jan.UN Sudan Bulletin 29 Jan.UN Sudan Bulletin 28 Jan.UN Sudan Bulletin 24 Jan.UN Sudan Bulletin 22 Jan.UN Sudan Bulletin 18 Jan.UN Sudan Bulletin 17 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 15 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 14 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 12 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 11 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 10 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 08 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 07 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 04 Jan. UN Sudan Bulletin 02 Jan.
http://www.unmis.org/english/UNSudanBulletin.htm
Showing posts with label sudan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sudan. Show all posts
Sunday, February 25, 2007
CFC Feb 11 Statement on Sudan Bombing
CEASEFIRE COMMISSION STATEMENT
The AMIS Ceasefire Commission (CFC) notes with
concern the bombardment by GoS Forces of Kariari and
Bahai, 2 villages in North Darfur close to Chad - Sudan
border on 11 February 2007, at about 1200hours.
The CFC considers these acts unwarranted especially as
efforts are on to ensure that the ceasefire to which all
Parties expressed commitment holds in order to seek an
enduring political solution to the Crisis.
The Commission would like to reiterate the need for all
Parties to denounce violence and embrace dialogue as the
best approach to resolving the Darfur Crisis.
11 February, 2007, El Fasher, Darfur
http://www.unmis.org/english/2007Docs/au-PS-feb11.pdf
The AMIS Ceasefire Commission (CFC) notes with
concern the bombardment by GoS Forces of Kariari and
Bahai, 2 villages in North Darfur close to Chad - Sudan
border on 11 February 2007, at about 1200hours.
The CFC considers these acts unwarranted especially as
efforts are on to ensure that the ceasefire to which all
Parties expressed commitment holds in order to seek an
enduring political solution to the Crisis.
The Commission would like to reiterate the need for all
Parties to denounce violence and embrace dialogue as the
best approach to resolving the Darfur Crisis.
11 February, 2007, El Fasher, Darfur
http://www.unmis.org/english/2007Docs/au-PS-feb11.pdf
UNMIS Feb. 2 Statement on Sudan
1
UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SUDAN
Office of the Spokesperson
Date: 2 February 2007
Below is a near verbatim transcript of the press conference hosting Special Representative of
the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, and
Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Rima Salah, held on 2 February 2007 at UNMIS
Press Briefing Room, Khartoum.
Spokesperson Radhia: Good afternoon everybody and thank you for joining us at this press
conference hosting Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and hosting also Ms. Rima Salah who is
the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children Fund. She came with the
Special Representative during her visit to Sudan.
We already announced to you the visit of the Special Representative in a press release on the
eve of her coming to Sudan. We broadly told you what kind of activities she would be
undertaking. We already sent out to you the personal resume of the Special Representative
and we have further documentation that would help you to have the full picture about the
SRSG-CAAC, her mandate and so on.
We do have the resolution of the General Assembly that establishes the mandate of the
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; and we do
also have the resolution of the General Assembly that reconfirmed the mandate and the
nomination of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. And we do also
have for you the Resolution 1612 of the Security Council adopted in 2005 on children in
armed conflict. All that is given to you for background information.
Without further ado, I would leave the floor to the Special Representative.
SRSG-CAAC: Thank you very much. I am the SRSG on Children and Armed Conflict and I
am supposed to be independent on this issue, trying to facilitate and to do political advocacy
on some of the issues for the United Nations System.
Let me begin by saying the main my reason of my visit, with Rima Salah, the Deputy
Executive Director of UNICEF, who kindly agreed to accompany me on this visit, is, because
as you know in the month of August 2006, the Security Council Working Group looked at a
report on Children and Armed Conflict in Sudan and, as a result of that report, there were
some conclusions and recommendations made by the Security Council Working Group and
UNITED NATION
2
one of that was that I visit Sudan to ascertain what is occurring, try to get commitments and
to report back to the Security Council Working Group in a few months’ time.
As you know, this is all under Security Council Resolution 1612 which sets up an extensive
monitoring and reporting system with regards children and armed conflict, especially child
soldiers. So this is the framework within which these reports were initially written.
The concerns that were there in the United Nations report and the concerns that bring me here
are basically three initial issues. The first is the issue of child recruitment which is of course
the issue of the highest important for the Security Council. Also secondly the issue of sexual
violence and exploitation of the issue of the Girl-child which was an issue raised in the
context of the Sudan in the report and the third is the protection of humanitarian workers
which is of concern not only to the Security Council but also to the Secretary-General.
I visited during my trip Khartoum, Juba and Darfur. I met with the ministers of defence,
foreign affairs and humanitarian affairs as well as other senior government officials. I have
met with the signatories and the non-signatories to the Darfur agreement, the SPLM and I
have met with women, youths and representatives from the communities in Juba and in
Darfur. I thought I would begin with some general conclusions to this visit and then go on to
some specific commitments that had been made by parties during this visit.
The first is that we saw very clearly in Juba and in Darfur that this war has affected
everybody and that there is in these societies the social fabric has been destroyed and so has
social control including the rule of law and, as a result, there is impunity and a measure of
non-accountability. This poses serious problems in these conflict regions.
The second conclusion coming really from the first is that there is a huge security vacuum in
Darfur. So the issue of women, child recruitment and violence against humanitarian actors is
something that deeply concerns us. It is absolutely necessary that this security vacuum be
filled as soon as possible especially if peace does not come. How to do so of course is for the
political organs of the UN and the government of Sudan but we feel it is essential.
Thirdly; in Juba we found that there was a great deal of optimism among the people but an
issue of reintegration of child soldiers and development of communities was crucial as well
as the development of a culture of peace. These issues were foremost in the minds of people
we met both in government and in the community.
Finally, I must say that there is recognition in Sudan, we found at the official levels, of the
problems of child recruitment and sexual violence. They have agreed to frameworks and they
have agreed to commitments. However, we are concerned that there is not enough
implementation and that the results are not showing on the ground and we urge them to do so.
However we welcome both their commitments and their frameworks.
Now if I could move on to the issue of child recruitment, I must say that as you know,
independent monitors have pointed to us through verified data that child recruitment is
decreasing in southern Sudan and increasing in Darfur and that all parties to the conflict
engage in child recruitment.
As a result of our visit and also because of prior negotiations by UNICEF, we are happy to
note that there have been some important commitments. The first is that all the signatories to
3
the Darfur Peace Agreement as well as all the non-signatories have agreed to an action plan,
to agree to negotiate action plans with UNICEF for the demobilization of child soldiers. They
have named focal points and we shall follow up on that.
In addition, all Darfur signatories, all Darfur non-signatories, the SPLM have agreed to an
audit which is basically opening their camps to UNICEF and UNMIS Child Protection
monitors to visit their camps to see if there are any children.
In addition, this morning the Minister of Defence told us that he would open the camps of the
SLA as well as the Popular Defence Forces to allow for an audit. He named a focal point to
follow up on that commitment.
We are therefore very satisfied with these commitments and we hope that UNICEF and
UNMIS Child Protection will follow up with these commitments and that we can make sure
that there are no children left with armed groups in the near future.
Secondly on the issue of sexual violence, we found in every report to the Security Council
numbers and reports of this. There is, we must say, recognition of this issue now at the
national level. The National Council on Child Welfare as well as the Ministry of Justice have
recognized the problem and begun programs. We are particularly encouraged by the task
force set up by the National Council on Child Welfare. Even at the local level, there are
structures in place such as state committees and gender advisors. In addition, the Government
of Southern Sudan agreed to form a similar task force in its region in their conversations with
us.
However, as we said earlier, the situation on the ground does not seem to have improved
since when the Security Council report was written. Medical reports and other forms of
verifiable information show that there are high rates of sexual violence. We again repeat that
a security framework is absolutely necessary that is more protective of women and children.
An inter-agency team led by UNICEF and UNFPA will arrive in Sudan in February to deal
with this issue.
We also spoke to the Ministry of Defence about sexual violence and exploitation. We
discussed the need for all military including the UN to ensure that no kind of sexual
exploitation takes place and we pointed to evolving guidelines and programs that we have
developed to try and have a “zero-tolerance policy” on sexual violence. The Ministry of
Defence said he would work with the UN in developing guidelines also for the Government
of Sudan Armed Forces.
With regards to the safety of humanitarian workers, there is an incident in Darfur everyday
against humanitarian workers. There have been some terrible incidents in the past few weeks.
At every level we raised this issue and we were given assurances that they will try their best
to prevent such incidents from taking place. We pointed out that diplomatic immunity
attaches to the staff of the UN and if they are dissatisfied, then it is up to them to report the
staff to the UN and the UN will take corrective action. That diplomatic immunity is
absolutely crucial for the world system and not only for Sudan. We feel that we made a very
strong plea in that regard at all levels of our official meetings
4
With regards to some other concerns that arose during our visit here, the first is that the
destruction of the social fabric has led to a great many orphans and street children – a new
phenomenon in Sudan. There is need for UN programmatic intervention in this regard. We
feel it is a rising issue and needs concerted attention.
Secondly; we found that reintegration of Child Soldiers are not working as well as we would
like. What happens is that children are demobilized but they come back to the armed camp
because they have nothing to do in their communities or they feel alienated from their
communities. The need therefore to develop the communities to which these children will
return and the social services in those communities so that it is a place where children will
remain, become the need of the hour. As a result, UNICEF will sponsor a study in Juba to
study these reintegration programs to find out what is going wrong, what is going right and
also to see how the community can develop with social services. We will try to do a very
quick study and the recommendations from that study will then be implemented.
Thirdly; when we met with the Vice-President of southern Sudan, we spoke about the
problems posed by the LRA rebels and he agreed to keep women and children as highest in
his agenda with the UNICEF staff members to be on his technical committee. He also agreed
to ensure that these issues will be there if talks resume under his mediation.
Finally; in our conversation with nomadic tribal leaders, we felt that there was a sense of
discrimination and marginalization by humanitarian agencies of these communities primarily
because of security reasons – many of these humanitarian agencies can’t work in those
regions. However, we feel that it is a matter of priority to have community-oriented programs
on education and health in those communities as well so that they too will benefit by many of
the humanitarian efforts. So UNICEF has began already – had begun even before we came –
to begin discussions with them on how to better their services.
Finally; what is next? When I get back to New York, I will debrief the Secretary-General and
in three months time I will report to the Security Council Working Group outlining the
commitments and follow ups of the Sudan government and also what I feel is the situation on
the ground.
In addition, UNICEF, UNMIS Child Protection and AMIS will follow up on action plans,
audits, the task forces and the study that I described. They will work closely to follow up on
these commitments
We hope to continue our dialogue with the government of Sudan especially with regard to
security and protection framework for women and children.
Thank you.
Spokesperson Radhia: Ms. Rima, the floor is yours.
Dep. Exec. Dir.: Thank you. (in Arabic)
I am pleased and honored to accompany SRSG-CAAC and to support her as UNICEF
believes it is the moral voice on children and armed conflicts the world over. You are aware
that an important aspect of UNICEF’s mandate is to encourage existence of preventive
climates for all children including children affected by armed conflict. In addition to our
5
mandate and since the UNICEF has offices in every part of Sudan and in every country in the
world, this also covers monitoring of violations of the Right of the Child as cited in UN
Security Council Resolution 1612.
As for UNICEF’s obligations, for example on child recruitment, UNICEF, in cooperation
with UNMIS and AMIS, will continue to support DDR programs especially on reintegration
and to ensure that child issues remain priority issues in planning and implementation. There
also is a great need to expedite the process because children should not be left to wait. As we
did see in Juba and Darfur that children are present in the armed movements.
We say that Demobilization and Reintegration are two faces of the same coin and
demobilization of child soldiers from armed groups will adversely be affected if we are not
able to reintegrate these children. We were told in Juba that despite all the efforts made, they
are not able to reintegrate all the child soldiers as a result of poverty, lack of families and
inability to reintegrate the child soldier into the local communities and families. UNICEF will
therefore work alongside the other UN agencies to reintegrate all these children.
On sexual violence, UNICEF remains an active partner in combating Gender-Based Violence
at all levels through, for example, child-friendly spaces in camps, establishing child and
women protection units within the police forces, training of the police force and social
workers on improving of monitoring methods for all cases of GBV.
On the humanitarian side, the SRSG-CAAC mentioned that access to humanitarian assistance
is an important aspect of the activities of all agencies. It is important to ensure that IDPs and
host communities have access. The people we met, especially the nomads, said that
humanitarian assistance does not reach them. UNICEF works with them especially on
education and water and will continue to do so.
To us at the UNICEF, this was an important new visit that will enable us review our
strategies especially in reintegration of the child soldier into families and the local
communities.
Thank you and we are available to answer your questions.
Spokesperson Radhia: Thank you. The floor is now open for your questions.
Q: I have 4 questions:
What difference did you find during your visit between the facts on the ground and the report
discussed at the Security Council? It is known that Sudan had expressed strong opposition to
that past report.
The government complains of lack of funding for its DDR program. What assistance can the
UN give to facilitate this process?
Does the United Nations have specific statistics on children recruited in armed movements
and the Child Soldier in Sudan?
What impact would your report to the UN have should it contain negative issues?
6
SRSG-CAAC: I think the difference is not so much a difference in reality but what has
happened in Sudan since August. There is I think greater acknowledgement and recognition
at the official level of these issues. And we welcome that. As I said there is recognition of
these issues and structures have been set in place but the situation on the ground does not
seem to have improved. But we hope that if these structures are implemented effectively, that
there will also be a difference on the ground.
With regard to funding of DDR etc. I am going to allow Rima to answer that.
On your third question, my sense is that we don’t have numbers and it will be impossible to
give you numbers for the whole of Sudan. But I think the figures given are that in southern
Sudan 7,000 have been demobilized and 3,000 are yet to be demobilized.
What are the negative consequences? Of course there is Security Council Resolution 1612
that allows the Working Group in the Security Council to engage the government in a variety
of ways if things, over a period of time, continue to be negative. I don’t know whether this
report or that report … but there is a provision in the Security Council Resolution for targeted
measures against parties if they fail to, especially, stop recruiting children. That is the issue
on which targeted measures have been assigned.
Thank you.
Dep. Exec. Rep.: Child recruitment is a big problem which not only the UNICEF works on
but, as I said, also the UNMIS, AMIS and a number of other UN agencies. We still need
funding. Our representative is here with us. We could say also that it is not on reintegration
and funding because we also have programs such as on education and protection. In Juba, for
instance, we launched a year ago the “Back to School” program, opening of schools and
providing them with health services. But the problem is that many communities, especially in
Juba, can not access these education and health services. This is why the UNICEF, alongside
other UN agencies, will focus on opening more schools in Juba and facilitating access to
social services.
Spokesperson Radhia: Thank you very much. Just for your information, copies of the
Security Council Resolution 1612 referred to by the SRSG-CAAC and Ms. Rima Salah is
available in both the English and Arabic versions for you to go through.
Any more questions?
Q: Child recruitment is in the increase in Darfur and decreasing in southern Sudan. Can you
clarify to what extent it is increasing in Darfur and decreasing in southern Sudan?
You said that the reintegration of children in southern Sudan is not going according to the UN
need. Can you clarify that point and what are you comments on this?
SRSG-CAAC: With regard to Juba, I suppose because the armed conflict has stopped for the
moment, we do not receive reports of recruitment of children and over the last year over
1,000 were actually demobilized in 2006.
With regards to Darfur, the monitors on the ground have told us that they feel that in the last
few months child recruitment has increase … though they have not given us any figures.
7
With regards to reintegration, I will let Rima deal with it at length but my sense is that an
early school of reintegration which was to take children from the forces and then keep them
in transit camps and then reintegrate them and this, they felt, was not very helpful. Now they
reintegrate children into the communities immediately after tracing their families.
But even then just doing that is not enough unless you support the community to support
them. So that is where we are at now. It is all a learning process. We are learning from other
countries. There have been successful demobilizations in other countries and the UN system
as a whole is trying to understand this process and to see how we can stop the remobilization
of these children. So it is a learning process but we feel that a study in Juba … in the cultural
context of Juba … will help us understand what the situation is like over there before we go
on a massive reintegration planning.
Dep. Exec. Rep.: On reintegration, UNICEF has more than 20 programs on DDR and
reintegration. We have some achievements and were presented with some when we were in
Juba. But, however, even the Vice-President of the Government of Southern Sudan in Juba
said that we have not been completely successful in really reintegrating children in their
families and the communities.
Why? He mentioned some of the problems that are facing us. For example poverty, the
fragile social fabric in the south in general and, also, the lack of access to social services – to
education, to health services and to protection. And that is why we were so happy to have the
independent voice of the SRSG-CAAC for advocacy to be with us there because this will
give us the opportunity to review our strategies – all of us as the UN.
As I have always said, we have been maybe a little dogmatic in our reintegration strategy. So
UNICEF, UNMIS, AMIS and other UN agencies are going to look again at the lessons learnt
and the strategies of reintegration.
We are very happy that next week the SRSG-CAAC and I will be in a meeting in Paris and
exactly to discuss those issues of reintegration.
Thank you.
Spokesperson Radhia: Are there any other questions from the press?
If not, I thank you all for coming and joining us for this meeting. I would extend my sincere
thanks to the SRSG-CAAC and the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF and we wish you
all the best and have a safe trip.
Thank you very much.
http://www.unmis.org/english/2007Docs/PC-02Feb..pdf
UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SUDAN
Office of the Spokesperson
Date: 2 February 2007
Below is a near verbatim transcript of the press conference hosting Special Representative of
the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, and
Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Rima Salah, held on 2 February 2007 at UNMIS
Press Briefing Room, Khartoum.
Spokesperson Radhia: Good afternoon everybody and thank you for joining us at this press
conference hosting Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and hosting also Ms. Rima Salah who is
the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children Fund. She came with the
Special Representative during her visit to Sudan.
We already announced to you the visit of the Special Representative in a press release on the
eve of her coming to Sudan. We broadly told you what kind of activities she would be
undertaking. We already sent out to you the personal resume of the Special Representative
and we have further documentation that would help you to have the full picture about the
SRSG-CAAC, her mandate and so on.
We do have the resolution of the General Assembly that establishes the mandate of the
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; and we do
also have the resolution of the General Assembly that reconfirmed the mandate and the
nomination of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. And we do also
have for you the Resolution 1612 of the Security Council adopted in 2005 on children in
armed conflict. All that is given to you for background information.
Without further ado, I would leave the floor to the Special Representative.
SRSG-CAAC: Thank you very much. I am the SRSG on Children and Armed Conflict and I
am supposed to be independent on this issue, trying to facilitate and to do political advocacy
on some of the issues for the United Nations System.
Let me begin by saying the main my reason of my visit, with Rima Salah, the Deputy
Executive Director of UNICEF, who kindly agreed to accompany me on this visit, is, because
as you know in the month of August 2006, the Security Council Working Group looked at a
report on Children and Armed Conflict in Sudan and, as a result of that report, there were
some conclusions and recommendations made by the Security Council Working Group and
UNITED NATION
2
one of that was that I visit Sudan to ascertain what is occurring, try to get commitments and
to report back to the Security Council Working Group in a few months’ time.
As you know, this is all under Security Council Resolution 1612 which sets up an extensive
monitoring and reporting system with regards children and armed conflict, especially child
soldiers. So this is the framework within which these reports were initially written.
The concerns that were there in the United Nations report and the concerns that bring me here
are basically three initial issues. The first is the issue of child recruitment which is of course
the issue of the highest important for the Security Council. Also secondly the issue of sexual
violence and exploitation of the issue of the Girl-child which was an issue raised in the
context of the Sudan in the report and the third is the protection of humanitarian workers
which is of concern not only to the Security Council but also to the Secretary-General.
I visited during my trip Khartoum, Juba and Darfur. I met with the ministers of defence,
foreign affairs and humanitarian affairs as well as other senior government officials. I have
met with the signatories and the non-signatories to the Darfur agreement, the SPLM and I
have met with women, youths and representatives from the communities in Juba and in
Darfur. I thought I would begin with some general conclusions to this visit and then go on to
some specific commitments that had been made by parties during this visit.
The first is that we saw very clearly in Juba and in Darfur that this war has affected
everybody and that there is in these societies the social fabric has been destroyed and so has
social control including the rule of law and, as a result, there is impunity and a measure of
non-accountability. This poses serious problems in these conflict regions.
The second conclusion coming really from the first is that there is a huge security vacuum in
Darfur. So the issue of women, child recruitment and violence against humanitarian actors is
something that deeply concerns us. It is absolutely necessary that this security vacuum be
filled as soon as possible especially if peace does not come. How to do so of course is for the
political organs of the UN and the government of Sudan but we feel it is essential.
Thirdly; in Juba we found that there was a great deal of optimism among the people but an
issue of reintegration of child soldiers and development of communities was crucial as well
as the development of a culture of peace. These issues were foremost in the minds of people
we met both in government and in the community.
Finally, I must say that there is recognition in Sudan, we found at the official levels, of the
problems of child recruitment and sexual violence. They have agreed to frameworks and they
have agreed to commitments. However, we are concerned that there is not enough
implementation and that the results are not showing on the ground and we urge them to do so.
However we welcome both their commitments and their frameworks.
Now if I could move on to the issue of child recruitment, I must say that as you know,
independent monitors have pointed to us through verified data that child recruitment is
decreasing in southern Sudan and increasing in Darfur and that all parties to the conflict
engage in child recruitment.
As a result of our visit and also because of prior negotiations by UNICEF, we are happy to
note that there have been some important commitments. The first is that all the signatories to
3
the Darfur Peace Agreement as well as all the non-signatories have agreed to an action plan,
to agree to negotiate action plans with UNICEF for the demobilization of child soldiers. They
have named focal points and we shall follow up on that.
In addition, all Darfur signatories, all Darfur non-signatories, the SPLM have agreed to an
audit which is basically opening their camps to UNICEF and UNMIS Child Protection
monitors to visit their camps to see if there are any children.
In addition, this morning the Minister of Defence told us that he would open the camps of the
SLA as well as the Popular Defence Forces to allow for an audit. He named a focal point to
follow up on that commitment.
We are therefore very satisfied with these commitments and we hope that UNICEF and
UNMIS Child Protection will follow up with these commitments and that we can make sure
that there are no children left with armed groups in the near future.
Secondly on the issue of sexual violence, we found in every report to the Security Council
numbers and reports of this. There is, we must say, recognition of this issue now at the
national level. The National Council on Child Welfare as well as the Ministry of Justice have
recognized the problem and begun programs. We are particularly encouraged by the task
force set up by the National Council on Child Welfare. Even at the local level, there are
structures in place such as state committees and gender advisors. In addition, the Government
of Southern Sudan agreed to form a similar task force in its region in their conversations with
us.
However, as we said earlier, the situation on the ground does not seem to have improved
since when the Security Council report was written. Medical reports and other forms of
verifiable information show that there are high rates of sexual violence. We again repeat that
a security framework is absolutely necessary that is more protective of women and children.
An inter-agency team led by UNICEF and UNFPA will arrive in Sudan in February to deal
with this issue.
We also spoke to the Ministry of Defence about sexual violence and exploitation. We
discussed the need for all military including the UN to ensure that no kind of sexual
exploitation takes place and we pointed to evolving guidelines and programs that we have
developed to try and have a “zero-tolerance policy” on sexual violence. The Ministry of
Defence said he would work with the UN in developing guidelines also for the Government
of Sudan Armed Forces.
With regards to the safety of humanitarian workers, there is an incident in Darfur everyday
against humanitarian workers. There have been some terrible incidents in the past few weeks.
At every level we raised this issue and we were given assurances that they will try their best
to prevent such incidents from taking place. We pointed out that diplomatic immunity
attaches to the staff of the UN and if they are dissatisfied, then it is up to them to report the
staff to the UN and the UN will take corrective action. That diplomatic immunity is
absolutely crucial for the world system and not only for Sudan. We feel that we made a very
strong plea in that regard at all levels of our official meetings
4
With regards to some other concerns that arose during our visit here, the first is that the
destruction of the social fabric has led to a great many orphans and street children – a new
phenomenon in Sudan. There is need for UN programmatic intervention in this regard. We
feel it is a rising issue and needs concerted attention.
Secondly; we found that reintegration of Child Soldiers are not working as well as we would
like. What happens is that children are demobilized but they come back to the armed camp
because they have nothing to do in their communities or they feel alienated from their
communities. The need therefore to develop the communities to which these children will
return and the social services in those communities so that it is a place where children will
remain, become the need of the hour. As a result, UNICEF will sponsor a study in Juba to
study these reintegration programs to find out what is going wrong, what is going right and
also to see how the community can develop with social services. We will try to do a very
quick study and the recommendations from that study will then be implemented.
Thirdly; when we met with the Vice-President of southern Sudan, we spoke about the
problems posed by the LRA rebels and he agreed to keep women and children as highest in
his agenda with the UNICEF staff members to be on his technical committee. He also agreed
to ensure that these issues will be there if talks resume under his mediation.
Finally; in our conversation with nomadic tribal leaders, we felt that there was a sense of
discrimination and marginalization by humanitarian agencies of these communities primarily
because of security reasons – many of these humanitarian agencies can’t work in those
regions. However, we feel that it is a matter of priority to have community-oriented programs
on education and health in those communities as well so that they too will benefit by many of
the humanitarian efforts. So UNICEF has began already – had begun even before we came –
to begin discussions with them on how to better their services.
Finally; what is next? When I get back to New York, I will debrief the Secretary-General and
in three months time I will report to the Security Council Working Group outlining the
commitments and follow ups of the Sudan government and also what I feel is the situation on
the ground.
In addition, UNICEF, UNMIS Child Protection and AMIS will follow up on action plans,
audits, the task forces and the study that I described. They will work closely to follow up on
these commitments
We hope to continue our dialogue with the government of Sudan especially with regard to
security and protection framework for women and children.
Thank you.
Spokesperson Radhia: Ms. Rima, the floor is yours.
Dep. Exec. Dir.: Thank you. (in Arabic)
I am pleased and honored to accompany SRSG-CAAC and to support her as UNICEF
believes it is the moral voice on children and armed conflicts the world over. You are aware
that an important aspect of UNICEF’s mandate is to encourage existence of preventive
climates for all children including children affected by armed conflict. In addition to our
5
mandate and since the UNICEF has offices in every part of Sudan and in every country in the
world, this also covers monitoring of violations of the Right of the Child as cited in UN
Security Council Resolution 1612.
As for UNICEF’s obligations, for example on child recruitment, UNICEF, in cooperation
with UNMIS and AMIS, will continue to support DDR programs especially on reintegration
and to ensure that child issues remain priority issues in planning and implementation. There
also is a great need to expedite the process because children should not be left to wait. As we
did see in Juba and Darfur that children are present in the armed movements.
We say that Demobilization and Reintegration are two faces of the same coin and
demobilization of child soldiers from armed groups will adversely be affected if we are not
able to reintegrate these children. We were told in Juba that despite all the efforts made, they
are not able to reintegrate all the child soldiers as a result of poverty, lack of families and
inability to reintegrate the child soldier into the local communities and families. UNICEF will
therefore work alongside the other UN agencies to reintegrate all these children.
On sexual violence, UNICEF remains an active partner in combating Gender-Based Violence
at all levels through, for example, child-friendly spaces in camps, establishing child and
women protection units within the police forces, training of the police force and social
workers on improving of monitoring methods for all cases of GBV.
On the humanitarian side, the SRSG-CAAC mentioned that access to humanitarian assistance
is an important aspect of the activities of all agencies. It is important to ensure that IDPs and
host communities have access. The people we met, especially the nomads, said that
humanitarian assistance does not reach them. UNICEF works with them especially on
education and water and will continue to do so.
To us at the UNICEF, this was an important new visit that will enable us review our
strategies especially in reintegration of the child soldier into families and the local
communities.
Thank you and we are available to answer your questions.
Spokesperson Radhia: Thank you. The floor is now open for your questions.
Q: I have 4 questions:
What difference did you find during your visit between the facts on the ground and the report
discussed at the Security Council? It is known that Sudan had expressed strong opposition to
that past report.
The government complains of lack of funding for its DDR program. What assistance can the
UN give to facilitate this process?
Does the United Nations have specific statistics on children recruited in armed movements
and the Child Soldier in Sudan?
What impact would your report to the UN have should it contain negative issues?
6
SRSG-CAAC: I think the difference is not so much a difference in reality but what has
happened in Sudan since August. There is I think greater acknowledgement and recognition
at the official level of these issues. And we welcome that. As I said there is recognition of
these issues and structures have been set in place but the situation on the ground does not
seem to have improved. But we hope that if these structures are implemented effectively, that
there will also be a difference on the ground.
With regard to funding of DDR etc. I am going to allow Rima to answer that.
On your third question, my sense is that we don’t have numbers and it will be impossible to
give you numbers for the whole of Sudan. But I think the figures given are that in southern
Sudan 7,000 have been demobilized and 3,000 are yet to be demobilized.
What are the negative consequences? Of course there is Security Council Resolution 1612
that allows the Working Group in the Security Council to engage the government in a variety
of ways if things, over a period of time, continue to be negative. I don’t know whether this
report or that report … but there is a provision in the Security Council Resolution for targeted
measures against parties if they fail to, especially, stop recruiting children. That is the issue
on which targeted measures have been assigned.
Thank you.
Dep. Exec. Rep.: Child recruitment is a big problem which not only the UNICEF works on
but, as I said, also the UNMIS, AMIS and a number of other UN agencies. We still need
funding. Our representative is here with us. We could say also that it is not on reintegration
and funding because we also have programs such as on education and protection. In Juba, for
instance, we launched a year ago the “Back to School” program, opening of schools and
providing them with health services. But the problem is that many communities, especially in
Juba, can not access these education and health services. This is why the UNICEF, alongside
other UN agencies, will focus on opening more schools in Juba and facilitating access to
social services.
Spokesperson Radhia: Thank you very much. Just for your information, copies of the
Security Council Resolution 1612 referred to by the SRSG-CAAC and Ms. Rima Salah is
available in both the English and Arabic versions for you to go through.
Any more questions?
Q: Child recruitment is in the increase in Darfur and decreasing in southern Sudan. Can you
clarify to what extent it is increasing in Darfur and decreasing in southern Sudan?
You said that the reintegration of children in southern Sudan is not going according to the UN
need. Can you clarify that point and what are you comments on this?
SRSG-CAAC: With regard to Juba, I suppose because the armed conflict has stopped for the
moment, we do not receive reports of recruitment of children and over the last year over
1,000 were actually demobilized in 2006.
With regards to Darfur, the monitors on the ground have told us that they feel that in the last
few months child recruitment has increase … though they have not given us any figures.
7
With regards to reintegration, I will let Rima deal with it at length but my sense is that an
early school of reintegration which was to take children from the forces and then keep them
in transit camps and then reintegrate them and this, they felt, was not very helpful. Now they
reintegrate children into the communities immediately after tracing their families.
But even then just doing that is not enough unless you support the community to support
them. So that is where we are at now. It is all a learning process. We are learning from other
countries. There have been successful demobilizations in other countries and the UN system
as a whole is trying to understand this process and to see how we can stop the remobilization
of these children. So it is a learning process but we feel that a study in Juba … in the cultural
context of Juba … will help us understand what the situation is like over there before we go
on a massive reintegration planning.
Dep. Exec. Rep.: On reintegration, UNICEF has more than 20 programs on DDR and
reintegration. We have some achievements and were presented with some when we were in
Juba. But, however, even the Vice-President of the Government of Southern Sudan in Juba
said that we have not been completely successful in really reintegrating children in their
families and the communities.
Why? He mentioned some of the problems that are facing us. For example poverty, the
fragile social fabric in the south in general and, also, the lack of access to social services – to
education, to health services and to protection. And that is why we were so happy to have the
independent voice of the SRSG-CAAC for advocacy to be with us there because this will
give us the opportunity to review our strategies – all of us as the UN.
As I have always said, we have been maybe a little dogmatic in our reintegration strategy. So
UNICEF, UNMIS, AMIS and other UN agencies are going to look again at the lessons learnt
and the strategies of reintegration.
We are very happy that next week the SRSG-CAAC and I will be in a meeting in Paris and
exactly to discuss those issues of reintegration.
Thank you.
Spokesperson Radhia: Are there any other questions from the press?
If not, I thank you all for coming and joining us for this meeting. I would extend my sincere
thanks to the SRSG-CAAC and the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF and we wish you
all the best and have a safe trip.
Thank you very much.
http://www.unmis.org/english/2007Docs/PC-02Feb..pdf
UN Feb. 4 Bulletin on Sudan
UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES
联合国
NACIONES UNIDAS
United Nations Sudan Bulletin
4 February
Highlights:
· Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Sudan.
· Appointments of leaders of SLM factions to governmental posts.
· UN, GNU and GoSS launched a joint return operation for IDPs in the North.
General:
· On 2 and 3 February, Chinese President Hu Jintao made an official visit to Sudan.
Media reported that President Hu encouraged President Bashir to co-operate with the UN in
finding a solution to the conflict in Darfur. A Chinese official news agency reported that
President Hu proposed a four-point approach which will respect Sudan's sovereignty while
acknowledging a constructive role for the AU and UN. In press statements after the
meeting, President Bashir praised China's treatment of Sudan, describing it as "more fair"
than that of Western countries. Hu also met separately with FVP Salva Kiir and VP Taha.
Media reported that he encouraged FVP Kiir to visit China.
· On 2 February, Presidents Hu and Bashir signed seven bilateral accords and contracts,
under which China undertook to build schools and a new presidential palace in Sudan,
provide 5.2 million USD of humanitarian assistance to Darfur, reduce import tariffs on 44
Sudanese commodities, and provide various grants and loans as well as cancel about 19
million USD of debt. President Hu also visited the Khartoum Oil Refinery in Al-Jaili which
is a joint project of Sudan and the China National Petroleum Corporation. On 3 February,
President Hu left Sudan for Zambia.
· On 3 February, President Bashir met with his two deputies and reviewed the status of
CPA implementation and the establishment of the Darfur Interim Authority. During the
meeting, the Presidency approved the Political Parties and the Civil Service Acts. Following
the meeting, State Minister for the Presidency Telar Deng (SPLM) said that the Presidency
would work to designate the Commission on the Rights of Non-Muslims in the National
Capital soon. The Presidential Press Secretary stated that the Presidency will reconvene on
6 February to hear a briefing by the Joint Defence Board on military and security issues. It
will also review reports on the work of the North-South technical border committee, roll-out
of the new currency and implementation of donors' Oslo pledges.
· On 3 February, the President issued a number of decrees appointing some members of
the Darfur Transitional Regional Authority, including Prof. Abdel Rahman Musa (SLM
Free Will) as State Minister in the Council of Ministers and Ibrahim Mahmoud Madibo
(SLM Peace Wing) as head of Darfur Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Commission.
Twelve seats of the National Assembly were also allocated for DPA signatories.
· On 1 February, Sudanese authorities closed an independent local paper "Al-Sudani"
because it had illegally published an article on the murder case of newspaper editor
Mohamed Taha while the case is still under investigation. Al-Sudani's editor-in-chief
Mahjoub Erwa lodged an appeal against the decision with the Ministry of Justice.
· On 3 February, Minister of Social Welfare, Women and Children's Affairs Samiya
Ahmed Mohamed stated that she expects an increase in voluntary return of IDPs in Darfur
Page 2
over the coming months, and that the Ministry will mount a series of projects to support
such returns.
· On 3 February, Minister of Foreign Affairs Akol issued a decree appointing 60
individuals from Southern Sudan to civil service positions in his ministry.
· On 3 February, SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum denied a split between
"Garang" and "Kiir" wings of the party, stating that the SPLM would not be shaken by
media campaigns intended to sow division among its rank and file. Meanwhile local media
reported that SPLM sources said that the movement would convene an expanded meeting of
its political bureau on 15 February to discuss a number of key issues relating to SPLM's
relationship with the NCP and other political parties.
· On 3 February, according to local media, Eastern Front Chairman Musa Mohamed
Ahmed issued directives from Asmara dissolving the "Eastern Front" registered last week
by the Political Parties Registrar in Khartoum.
Khartoum and Northern Sudan
Returns:
· On 3 February, the first convoy of joint return operations by the UN, IOM, GNU and
GoSS, some 300 IDPs left Dar El Salam camp in Khartoum. The joint operation for 2007 is
targeting 150,000 IDPs returning to their places of origin in southern Sudan and South
Kordofan from Khartoum and other Northern States.
North Darfur
Security:
· Sources said that, on 1 February, two helicopter gunships and an Antonov plane
bombed Dirbat and Katur village.
· On 3 February, eight persons in civilian clothes robbed an INGO vehicle parked in the
INGO’ compound in Abu Shouk IDP Camp. Later the vehicle was observed moving from
Abu Shouk market to the south east of El Fasher.
· Reports indicate that, on 2 February, a GoS police with seven vehicles raided the SLA
Office in Tawilla, destroyed the office and pulled down the SLA/MM flag. In retaliation,
the SLA closed down the Police water well. On 3 February, SLA/MM reinforced their
troops in Tawila with 14 vehicles moved from Abu Zerega, 35 kilometer south of El Fasher.
South Darfur
Security:
· Tension rose when a group of IDPs in Kalma Camp stole a camel belonging to Arab
nomads and took it to Kalma Camp on 1 February. The next day, heavily armed Arab
nomads tried to enter the Camp, but the GoS Police station intervened and the camel was
retrieved peacefully.
West Darfur
Security:
· On 2 February, unknown persons reportedly killed a male IDP inside his house at
Hamadiya IDP Camp and fled.
Southern Sudan
Security:
· On 2 February, several gunshots were heard near the vicinity of SAF barracks in
Malakal, reportedly resulting from an argument between two soldiers. No injuries reported.
Both soldiers were detained for investigation.
Page 3
Civil Affairs:
· On 2 February, UNMIS was informed that the Governor of Jonglei State dismissed
the Deputy Governor and the Commissioners of Nuirol and Pibor Counties.
Returns:
· On 3 February, an IOM barge carrying over 320 Bor Dinka IDPs arrived at Bor,
Jonglei State. The barge left Juba on 2 February and was led by a speed boat with armed
SPLA in order to avoid such incident occurred on 26 January in which a barge was shot at
by SPLA soldiers at a new checkpoint. The 320 IDPs will initially be housed at the Bor way
station before being transported to their final destinations.
Humanitarian:
· As of 1 February, a total of 780 cases of meningitis have been reported in eight
Southern States. In Lakes State, 105 cases of meningitis including 35 deaths. Meanwhile,
the vaccination campaign in Kajo Keji, Central Equatoria State almost completed. 50,000
vaccines became available for Warrap State. The Ministry of Health in Western Bahr El-
Ghazal State will embark on a meningitis vaccination campaign in the affected areas in the
state such as Mapel and Atedo Masna Bira.
Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan
Civil Affairs:
· On 1 February, UNMIS in Kadugli met with SPLM politicians as part of UN effort to
implement recommendations made by 40 tribal leaders during the Dilling conflictresolution
conference on 22 January, in which UNMIS was requested to form a committee
to go and sensitize communities to end conflicts. The SPLM agreed to appoint 20 members
to meet with NCP politicians to convene such reconciliation meetings.
Safety of Personnel: NSTR
Restriction of Movement: NSTR
Casualties: No Casualties reported
Bulletins generally sum up the main events, incidents and developments on the ground in the various
areas of UNMIS operation in Sudan. As public records of occurrences, the reports include statements
and accounts from a wide range of sources and witnesses such as the internally displaced persons
(IDPs), refugees, representatives of the Government, rebel movements, non-governmental
organizations and others. As such, statements and accounts cited in the Bulletin and quoted from such
individuals do not necessarily reflect the views of UNMIS.
Unified Mission Analysis Centre (UMAC)
United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
Khartoum
Sudan
Please direct enquiries to umac@un.org
http://www.unmis.org/english/2007Docs/UMAC-Bulletin-feb04.pdf
联合国
NACIONES UNIDAS
United Nations Sudan Bulletin
4 February
Highlights:
· Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Sudan.
· Appointments of leaders of SLM factions to governmental posts.
· UN, GNU and GoSS launched a joint return operation for IDPs in the North.
General:
· On 2 and 3 February, Chinese President Hu Jintao made an official visit to Sudan.
Media reported that President Hu encouraged President Bashir to co-operate with the UN in
finding a solution to the conflict in Darfur. A Chinese official news agency reported that
President Hu proposed a four-point approach which will respect Sudan's sovereignty while
acknowledging a constructive role for the AU and UN. In press statements after the
meeting, President Bashir praised China's treatment of Sudan, describing it as "more fair"
than that of Western countries. Hu also met separately with FVP Salva Kiir and VP Taha.
Media reported that he encouraged FVP Kiir to visit China.
· On 2 February, Presidents Hu and Bashir signed seven bilateral accords and contracts,
under which China undertook to build schools and a new presidential palace in Sudan,
provide 5.2 million USD of humanitarian assistance to Darfur, reduce import tariffs on 44
Sudanese commodities, and provide various grants and loans as well as cancel about 19
million USD of debt. President Hu also visited the Khartoum Oil Refinery in Al-Jaili which
is a joint project of Sudan and the China National Petroleum Corporation. On 3 February,
President Hu left Sudan for Zambia.
· On 3 February, President Bashir met with his two deputies and reviewed the status of
CPA implementation and the establishment of the Darfur Interim Authority. During the
meeting, the Presidency approved the Political Parties and the Civil Service Acts. Following
the meeting, State Minister for the Presidency Telar Deng (SPLM) said that the Presidency
would work to designate the Commission on the Rights of Non-Muslims in the National
Capital soon. The Presidential Press Secretary stated that the Presidency will reconvene on
6 February to hear a briefing by the Joint Defence Board on military and security issues. It
will also review reports on the work of the North-South technical border committee, roll-out
of the new currency and implementation of donors' Oslo pledges.
· On 3 February, the President issued a number of decrees appointing some members of
the Darfur Transitional Regional Authority, including Prof. Abdel Rahman Musa (SLM
Free Will) as State Minister in the Council of Ministers and Ibrahim Mahmoud Madibo
(SLM Peace Wing) as head of Darfur Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Commission.
Twelve seats of the National Assembly were also allocated for DPA signatories.
· On 1 February, Sudanese authorities closed an independent local paper "Al-Sudani"
because it had illegally published an article on the murder case of newspaper editor
Mohamed Taha while the case is still under investigation. Al-Sudani's editor-in-chief
Mahjoub Erwa lodged an appeal against the decision with the Ministry of Justice.
· On 3 February, Minister of Social Welfare, Women and Children's Affairs Samiya
Ahmed Mohamed stated that she expects an increase in voluntary return of IDPs in Darfur
Page 2
over the coming months, and that the Ministry will mount a series of projects to support
such returns.
· On 3 February, Minister of Foreign Affairs Akol issued a decree appointing 60
individuals from Southern Sudan to civil service positions in his ministry.
· On 3 February, SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum denied a split between
"Garang" and "Kiir" wings of the party, stating that the SPLM would not be shaken by
media campaigns intended to sow division among its rank and file. Meanwhile local media
reported that SPLM sources said that the movement would convene an expanded meeting of
its political bureau on 15 February to discuss a number of key issues relating to SPLM's
relationship with the NCP and other political parties.
· On 3 February, according to local media, Eastern Front Chairman Musa Mohamed
Ahmed issued directives from Asmara dissolving the "Eastern Front" registered last week
by the Political Parties Registrar in Khartoum.
Khartoum and Northern Sudan
Returns:
· On 3 February, the first convoy of joint return operations by the UN, IOM, GNU and
GoSS, some 300 IDPs left Dar El Salam camp in Khartoum. The joint operation for 2007 is
targeting 150,000 IDPs returning to their places of origin in southern Sudan and South
Kordofan from Khartoum and other Northern States.
North Darfur
Security:
· Sources said that, on 1 February, two helicopter gunships and an Antonov plane
bombed Dirbat and Katur village.
· On 3 February, eight persons in civilian clothes robbed an INGO vehicle parked in the
INGO’ compound in Abu Shouk IDP Camp. Later the vehicle was observed moving from
Abu Shouk market to the south east of El Fasher.
· Reports indicate that, on 2 February, a GoS police with seven vehicles raided the SLA
Office in Tawilla, destroyed the office and pulled down the SLA/MM flag. In retaliation,
the SLA closed down the Police water well. On 3 February, SLA/MM reinforced their
troops in Tawila with 14 vehicles moved from Abu Zerega, 35 kilometer south of El Fasher.
South Darfur
Security:
· Tension rose when a group of IDPs in Kalma Camp stole a camel belonging to Arab
nomads and took it to Kalma Camp on 1 February. The next day, heavily armed Arab
nomads tried to enter the Camp, but the GoS Police station intervened and the camel was
retrieved peacefully.
West Darfur
Security:
· On 2 February, unknown persons reportedly killed a male IDP inside his house at
Hamadiya IDP Camp and fled.
Southern Sudan
Security:
· On 2 February, several gunshots were heard near the vicinity of SAF barracks in
Malakal, reportedly resulting from an argument between two soldiers. No injuries reported.
Both soldiers were detained for investigation.
Page 3
Civil Affairs:
· On 2 February, UNMIS was informed that the Governor of Jonglei State dismissed
the Deputy Governor and the Commissioners of Nuirol and Pibor Counties.
Returns:
· On 3 February, an IOM barge carrying over 320 Bor Dinka IDPs arrived at Bor,
Jonglei State. The barge left Juba on 2 February and was led by a speed boat with armed
SPLA in order to avoid such incident occurred on 26 January in which a barge was shot at
by SPLA soldiers at a new checkpoint. The 320 IDPs will initially be housed at the Bor way
station before being transported to their final destinations.
Humanitarian:
· As of 1 February, a total of 780 cases of meningitis have been reported in eight
Southern States. In Lakes State, 105 cases of meningitis including 35 deaths. Meanwhile,
the vaccination campaign in Kajo Keji, Central Equatoria State almost completed. 50,000
vaccines became available for Warrap State. The Ministry of Health in Western Bahr El-
Ghazal State will embark on a meningitis vaccination campaign in the affected areas in the
state such as Mapel and Atedo Masna Bira.
Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan
Civil Affairs:
· On 1 February, UNMIS in Kadugli met with SPLM politicians as part of UN effort to
implement recommendations made by 40 tribal leaders during the Dilling conflictresolution
conference on 22 January, in which UNMIS was requested to form a committee
to go and sensitize communities to end conflicts. The SPLM agreed to appoint 20 members
to meet with NCP politicians to convene such reconciliation meetings.
Safety of Personnel: NSTR
Restriction of Movement: NSTR
Casualties: No Casualties reported
Bulletins generally sum up the main events, incidents and developments on the ground in the various
areas of UNMIS operation in Sudan. As public records of occurrences, the reports include statements
and accounts from a wide range of sources and witnesses such as the internally displaced persons
(IDPs), refugees, representatives of the Government, rebel movements, non-governmental
organizations and others. As such, statements and accounts cited in the Bulletin and quoted from such
individuals do not necessarily reflect the views of UNMIS.
Unified Mission Analysis Centre (UMAC)
United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
Khartoum
Sudan
Please direct enquiries to umac@un.org
http://www.unmis.org/english/2007Docs/UMAC-Bulletin-feb04.pdf
UN Feb. 2 Bulletin on Sudan
UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES
联合国
NACIONES UNIDAS
United Nations Sudan Bulletin
2 February
Highlights:
· An AMIS officer was killed in an ambush in Kutum, North Darfur.
General:
· On 1 February, a spokesman for the US State Department expressed hope that
Southern Sudan will remain as the mediator of talks between the Government of Uganda
and the LRA. The US was concerned that a change in mediator will only delay peace in
the region.
· On 1 February, SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy met
Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol and Minister of Defence Gen. Abdel-Rahim
Hussein at the end of her visit to Sudan.
· On 1 February, according to Sudan's national news agency, movements signatory to
the Darfur Peace Agreement and some civil society forces signed a protocol committing
themselves to co-operate in implementation of the DPA. Signatories included the
Rapporteur of the Political Office of SLM-Peace Wing Ismail Aghbash, Ismail Yahya
signed for Sudan United Forces and Alyas Mohamed Ahmed signed for Future Forces
Movement.
· On 1 February, the Sudanese national news agency announced details of the
programme for President Hu Jintao, who will make his first official visit to Sudan on 2-3
February. President Hu will meet President Omar al-Bashir, FVP Salva Kiir Mayardit
and VP Taha. He is also holding events with the Chinese Community in Sudan and
visiting the Khartoum Oil Refinery. President Hu Jintao is expected to attend the signing
of a number of commerical and investment agreements between the two countries.
· On 1 February, according to regional media, Ugandan armed forces are deployed
along the Nimule-Juba road in a bid to restore security after a spate of attacks attributed
to the LRA. The report, by Uganda's leading daily newspaper New Vision, says UPDF
forces are concentrated in Nimule and have established checkpoints along much of the
route the the Southern Sudan capital. Comment: Sudan's National Assembly voted in
November not to extend the MOU under which UPDF forces are permitted to operate
inside Southern Sudan. The MOU expired on 31 December.
· On 1 February, according to local media, GOSS Minister for Transport and
Communications Rebecca Garang gave a speech encouraging South Sudanese to have
faith in the ability of the GOSS to deliver on the objectives of the CPA. Mrs. Garang
called 2007 a "year of learning", and emphasized that GOSS was still in a learning
phase. She stressed that the recently approved US$1.3 billion GOSS budget would be
used appropriately to meet the needs of the people.
Khartoum and Northern Sudan: NSTR
North Darfur
Security:
Page 2
· On 1 February, a CIVPOL officer of the AMIS was killed in an ambush by unknown
armed elements in the area of Kassab IDP Camp, north of Kutum. The AMIS vehicle he
was driving was also robbed.
· On 1 February, National Security officers at the check point at Haluf denied passage
to a UN convoy including UNMIS vehicles en route to Mellit, demanding HAC permit.
Civil Affairs:
· On 31 January, during the visit to El Fasher, the Danish Minister for Development
and Cooperation pledged 25 million USD to support longer-term development in Darfur.
She expressed to the Governor of North Darfur her concern about the limited
humanitarian access in North Darfur. The Governor emphasized there was full
humanitarian access in government-controlled areas, adding that they were not
responsible for areas controlled by the NSF.
South Darfur
Security:
· On 1 February, four armed men attacked a commercial bus en route to Nyala from El
Fasher at a location 28 km north of Nyala and robbed all the passengers of their personal
properties. There were no casualties.
Humanitarian:
· Reports indicate that new IDPs are arriving at Al Salam Camp from Al Goz (Buram
locality) on a daily basis. An INGO registered 2,356 IDPs between 15 and 30 January,
making the total number of the population in the camp 5,925. More are expected to
arrive.
West Darfur
Security:
· On 31 January, a vehicle rented by an INGO was robbed on its way to Silea from
Qawz Nginnu. The perpetrators bundled the driver and passengers, nine INGO staff
members, and drove away towards Hizilini. The vehicle was recovered later.
Southern Sudan
Security:
· On 30 January, shooting occurred involving local police and SAF soldiers at Mirmir
market and one person was reportedly killed.
· On 31 January, unconfirmed information was received on possible LRA movement to
the south of Yambio, in the areas of Nabiapai and Gangura. UNPOL, UNMOs and
BANBAT took appropriate security precautions.
Civil Affairs:
· On 1 February, at the inaugural session of the Upper Nile Legislative Assembly, the
Speaker of the assembly highlighted the assembly's achievements to date and thanked
key actors including UNMIS for their support towards peace-building and good
governance. He called for accountability vis-à-vis public funds, noting that little was
known about state revenues generated for 2006, and called on the Finance Ministry to
clarify the usage of 55 million Sudanees Dinar received from the GoSS in November
2006.
Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan: NSTR
Safety of Personnel: NSTR
Restriction of Movement: NSTR
Page 3
Casualties: No Casualties reported
Bulletins generally sum up the main events, incidents and developments on the ground in the various
areas of UNMIS operation in Sudan. As public records of occurrences, the reports include statements
and accounts from a wide range of sources and witnesses such as the internally displaced persons
(IDPs), refugees, representatives of the Government, rebel movements, non-governmental
organizations and others. As such, statements and accounts cited in the Bulletin and quoted from such
individuals do not necessarily reflect the views of UNMIS.
Unified Mission Analysis Centre (UMAC)
United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
Khartoum
Sudan
Please direct enquiries to umac@un.orghttp://www.unmis.org/english/2007Docs/UMAC-Bulletin-feb02.pdf
联合国
NACIONES UNIDAS
United Nations Sudan Bulletin
2 February
Highlights:
· An AMIS officer was killed in an ambush in Kutum, North Darfur.
General:
· On 1 February, a spokesman for the US State Department expressed hope that
Southern Sudan will remain as the mediator of talks between the Government of Uganda
and the LRA. The US was concerned that a change in mediator will only delay peace in
the region.
· On 1 February, SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy met
Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol and Minister of Defence Gen. Abdel-Rahim
Hussein at the end of her visit to Sudan.
· On 1 February, according to Sudan's national news agency, movements signatory to
the Darfur Peace Agreement and some civil society forces signed a protocol committing
themselves to co-operate in implementation of the DPA. Signatories included the
Rapporteur of the Political Office of SLM-Peace Wing Ismail Aghbash, Ismail Yahya
signed for Sudan United Forces and Alyas Mohamed Ahmed signed for Future Forces
Movement.
· On 1 February, the Sudanese national news agency announced details of the
programme for President Hu Jintao, who will make his first official visit to Sudan on 2-3
February. President Hu will meet President Omar al-Bashir, FVP Salva Kiir Mayardit
and VP Taha. He is also holding events with the Chinese Community in Sudan and
visiting the Khartoum Oil Refinery. President Hu Jintao is expected to attend the signing
of a number of commerical and investment agreements between the two countries.
· On 1 February, according to regional media, Ugandan armed forces are deployed
along the Nimule-Juba road in a bid to restore security after a spate of attacks attributed
to the LRA. The report, by Uganda's leading daily newspaper New Vision, says UPDF
forces are concentrated in Nimule and have established checkpoints along much of the
route the the Southern Sudan capital. Comment: Sudan's National Assembly voted in
November not to extend the MOU under which UPDF forces are permitted to operate
inside Southern Sudan. The MOU expired on 31 December.
· On 1 February, according to local media, GOSS Minister for Transport and
Communications Rebecca Garang gave a speech encouraging South Sudanese to have
faith in the ability of the GOSS to deliver on the objectives of the CPA. Mrs. Garang
called 2007 a "year of learning", and emphasized that GOSS was still in a learning
phase. She stressed that the recently approved US$1.3 billion GOSS budget would be
used appropriately to meet the needs of the people.
Khartoum and Northern Sudan: NSTR
North Darfur
Security:
Page 2
· On 1 February, a CIVPOL officer of the AMIS was killed in an ambush by unknown
armed elements in the area of Kassab IDP Camp, north of Kutum. The AMIS vehicle he
was driving was also robbed.
· On 1 February, National Security officers at the check point at Haluf denied passage
to a UN convoy including UNMIS vehicles en route to Mellit, demanding HAC permit.
Civil Affairs:
· On 31 January, during the visit to El Fasher, the Danish Minister for Development
and Cooperation pledged 25 million USD to support longer-term development in Darfur.
She expressed to the Governor of North Darfur her concern about the limited
humanitarian access in North Darfur. The Governor emphasized there was full
humanitarian access in government-controlled areas, adding that they were not
responsible for areas controlled by the NSF.
South Darfur
Security:
· On 1 February, four armed men attacked a commercial bus en route to Nyala from El
Fasher at a location 28 km north of Nyala and robbed all the passengers of their personal
properties. There were no casualties.
Humanitarian:
· Reports indicate that new IDPs are arriving at Al Salam Camp from Al Goz (Buram
locality) on a daily basis. An INGO registered 2,356 IDPs between 15 and 30 January,
making the total number of the population in the camp 5,925. More are expected to
arrive.
West Darfur
Security:
· On 31 January, a vehicle rented by an INGO was robbed on its way to Silea from
Qawz Nginnu. The perpetrators bundled the driver and passengers, nine INGO staff
members, and drove away towards Hizilini. The vehicle was recovered later.
Southern Sudan
Security:
· On 30 January, shooting occurred involving local police and SAF soldiers at Mirmir
market and one person was reportedly killed.
· On 31 January, unconfirmed information was received on possible LRA movement to
the south of Yambio, in the areas of Nabiapai and Gangura. UNPOL, UNMOs and
BANBAT took appropriate security precautions.
Civil Affairs:
· On 1 February, at the inaugural session of the Upper Nile Legislative Assembly, the
Speaker of the assembly highlighted the assembly's achievements to date and thanked
key actors including UNMIS for their support towards peace-building and good
governance. He called for accountability vis-à-vis public funds, noting that little was
known about state revenues generated for 2006, and called on the Finance Ministry to
clarify the usage of 55 million Sudanees Dinar received from the GoSS in November
2006.
Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan: NSTR
Safety of Personnel: NSTR
Restriction of Movement: NSTR
Page 3
Casualties: No Casualties reported
Bulletins generally sum up the main events, incidents and developments on the ground in the various
areas of UNMIS operation in Sudan. As public records of occurrences, the reports include statements
and accounts from a wide range of sources and witnesses such as the internally displaced persons
(IDPs), refugees, representatives of the Government, rebel movements, non-governmental
organizations and others. As such, statements and accounts cited in the Bulletin and quoted from such
individuals do not necessarily reflect the views of UNMIS.
Unified Mission Analysis Centre (UMAC)
United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
Khartoum
Sudan
Please direct enquiries to umac@un.orghttp://www.unmis.org/english/2007Docs/UMAC-Bulletin-feb02.pdf
Secretary General's Jan. 25 Report on Sudan
United Nations S/2007/42
Security Council
Distr.: General
25 January 2007
Original: English
07-21186 (E) 300107
*0721186*
Report of the Secretary-General on the Sudan
I. Introduction
1. The present report is submitted pursuant to paragraph 11 of Security Council
resolution 1590 (2005), in which the Council requested me to keep it regularly
informed of progress in implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, respect
for the ceasefire and the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations
Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS). The report also provides an assessment of the
overall situation in the country since the previous report to the Council, dated
12 September 2006 (S/2006/728).
II. Implementation of the major elements of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement
2. Two years after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed on 9 January
2005, implementation has not progressed as effectively as was hoped. While the
basic constitutional framework envisaged in the Agreement is in place, some of the
political and security institutions are functioning, and the National Congress Party
(NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) have continued to
assert their commitment to full implementation; in reality, both parties have proved
reluctant to take the difficult steps required to move towards sustainable peace, and
critical aspects of the Agreement remain well behind schedule. Of central concern,
the principles of the Agreement related to political inclusion and “making unity
attractive” have yet to be fully upheld, and much remains to be done if the parties
are to achieve their ambitious goals set out in the Machakos Protocol and in
subsequent protocols.
Security aspects
3. The period under review witnessed the most serious violation of the ceasefire
since 2002. In Malakal, Upper Nile, heavy fighting between elements of the
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA)
from 27 to 30 November killed at least 150 people, including civilians. The conflict
erupted after a long-running dispute over the commissionership of a county in
neighbouring Jonglei State triggered a series of skirmishes between the SPLA Joint
Integrated Unit contingent and SAF-aligned other armed groups. Fighting then
escalated into a full-scale confrontation between SPLA forces and SAF. The
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UNMIS-chaired Ceasefire Joint Military Committee played a key role in bringing
the fighting to a halt, and the parties subsequently withdrew to their pre-conflict
positions. While the city remains tense, Joint Integrated Unit forces involved in the
fighting have been rotated out of the area, and a buffer zone is being monitored by
joint patrols, including UNMIS observers.
4. Redeployment of the parties’ armed forces continues, although delays in the
formation of Joint Integrated Units are now holding up the redeployment of SPLA
forces from the transitional areas, originally to have been completed in the second
quarter of 2007. With the SAF redeployment deadline of 9 July 2007 approaching,
both parties face considerable challenges if redeployment is to be accomplished as
agreed in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Both parties continue to maintain a
substantial armed presence in sensitive oil-rich areas, including Upper Nile, and the
1 January 1956 border area remains highly militarized.
5. On 18 November, President Al-Bashir called for better cooperation between
NCP and SPLM on security matters, particularly the problem of other armed groups,
and stressed the need for the Joint Integrated Units to function in order to secure the
border areas and oil installations. The failure to integrate other armed groups into
existing military structures and to create functioning Joint Integrated Units, as
required under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, has left the parties facing a
growing security problem, where militia violence as witnessed in Malakal can easily
erupt and spiral out of control.
6. Elsewhere in Southern Sudan, unidentified armed men, allegedly belonging to
SAF-aligned militia groups, were also held responsible for attacks on arterial roads
outside Juba in October and December, killing some 75 people.
7. At the same time, recent months have witnessed increased instability in
Northern and Southern Kordofan States, where civilian discontent has led to strike
action, and attacks by armed militia groups and tribal violence represent a growing
security threat. While some of the violence has spilled over from neighbouring
Darfur, tribal disputes and other armed group activities further fuel tensions. For
example, in the area of Meiram, south of Abyei, clashes between SPLA forces and
SAF related to the integration of erstwhile other armed groups resulted in the
displacement of approximately 2,000 people.
8. Efforts to resolve the problem posed by other armed groups remain stymied by
mistrust between the parties, as reflected in the state of the Other Armed Groups
Collaborative Committee. While its members met regularly during the reporting
period, it remained mired in disputes over its rules of procedure, and there is as yet
no plan to deal with armed militia groups that are aligned with SAF but that are
reluctant to redeploy north of the 1 January 1956 border by 9 July 2007.
9. At the same time, the formation of Joint Integrated Units continued to be
delayed, owing in part to a lack of logistical support for moving troops, a shortage
of working and living accommodations and irregular and insufficient budgetary
assistance. Efforts by the Joint Defence Board to agree to a single doctrine and
training programme have foundered, partly over cultural and religious differences.
In several areas, poorly disciplined Joint Integrated Unit elements were responsible
for deteriorating security. Disputes over the payment of salary arrears to SPLA
members of Joint Integrated Units triggered demonstrations in Juba on 9 December.
While the presidency should take the steps necessary to provide a regular budget to
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the Units, there is also a need for bilateral donors to step forward and assist the
Units to perform the security functions envisaged in the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement and for the parties to be open to such assistance.
10. More positively, the Ceasefire Joint Military Committee and Area Joint
Military Committees played an important role during the reporting period, helping
to de-escalate tension between forces on the ground. This was critical during the
Malakal crisis, during which the Ceasefire Joint Military Committee convened
emergency sessions, on 29 November and 3 December, facilitating an immediate
ceasefire and withdrawal of forces. The body, which is chaired by UNMIS, has
proved to be a highly effective forum for frank discussion between the parties, as
well as the mechanism for resolving military violations of the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement. I commend the Chairman of the Committee and its members for the
positive role the mechanism is playing.
Political aspects
11. During celebrations marking the second anniversary of the Comprehensive
Peace Agreement in Juba on 9 January, President Al-Bashir and First Vice-President
Kiir publicly aired their grievances over the failures of each other’s party to
implement key aspects of the Agreement. The accusations traded are a direct result
of the parties’ lack of success in effectively using the joint mechanisms set up in the
Agreement to resolve contentious issues. I am hopeful, however, that this open
stocktaking might revitalize the two leaders’ determination to overcome their
difficulties, and I very much welcome the strong commitment of both leaders to the
Agreement.
12. Some welcome progress was made on the legislative agenda. The National
Constitutional Review Commission drafted several important bills for consideration
by the National Assembly, including those required to establish the long-overdue
National Human Rights Commission and National Civil Service Commission. Other
critical commissions, including the National Electoral Commission and the
Commission for the Protection of the Rights of non-Muslims in the National
Capital, also have yet to be established.
13. The National Assembly has now passed a political parties law and the National
Civil Service Commission Act. Meanwhile, consultations on a draft elections bill
are at an early stage, and the work of the Population Census Council has also been
proceeding slowly. More must be done to accelerate the work of the Council, whose
national census is critical not only for the electoral process, but also for long-term
development planning.
14. The Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly has approved a number of bills
relating to the criminal code. However, commissions on land, the civil service,
human rights, anti-corruption, relief and rehabilitation and disarmament,
demobilization and reintegration have yet to be formally established, although
commissioners have been appointed to many of them. While six southern states
signed their constitutions into law during the reporting period, the Ministry of
Justice of the Government of National Unity declared the moves unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, in Southern Kordofan State, the presidency resolved a lengthy deadlock
over the draft constitution, which was eventually signed into law in December.
S/2007/42
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15. There are particular concerns over the slow progress of the technical ad hoc
border committee, which is supposed to demarcate the 1 January 1956 border
between north and south. The committee has completed its review of maps and
started work with local communities; it has not, however, begun physical
demarcation. Consensual demarcation of this border would go a long way to
resolving a number of potentially serious Comprehensive Peace Agreement
problems, including the redeployment of military personnel, the distribution of oil
revenues, the formation of Joint Integrated Units and, later, preparations for
elections.
16. The Abyei issue remains extremely contentious and has been referred to a joint
high political committee of the parties. However, despite appeals to the presidency
for guidance, no progress has been made. On 9 January 2007, First Vice-President
Kiir appealed to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well
as the IGAD Partner’s Forum, to assist the parties in implementing the Protocol on
the Resolution of the Conflict in the Abyei Area.
17. On the ground in Abyei, a temporary relaxation of freedom-of-movement
restrictions has made the entire region accessible to the United Nations. This has
assisted its monitoring efforts and humanitarian activities, as well as inter-tribal
negotiations and other reconciliation activities. I urge the authorities to continue to
allow the Mission and all United Nations personnel to carry out their important
tasks throughout the region.
18. The Ceasefire Political Commission met on 28 September and 9 November,
although without the full participation of its international members. The
Commission has failed to gain traction as a decision-making body, and it has rarely
been able to resolve issues referred to it by the Ceasefire Joint Military Committee.
Meanwhile, the Assessment and Evaluation Commission also met regularly during
the reporting period and received special briefings from the Central Bank on
disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, legislative transformation and the
work of the border committee.
Wealth-sharing aspects
19. On the wealth-sharing agenda, the parties reached agreement on rules of
procedure for the National Petroleum Commission. They also agreed to establish an
independent technical secretariat of the Commission, which should help to ensure
complete impartiality concerning the distribution of oil revenues. However,
increasing concerns arose regarding the displacement of populations in areas of oil
exploration. Provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, requiring
consultation with and compensation of populations affected by resource exploitation
are not systematically understood or enforced in Southern Sudan, with serious
consequences for human rights and environmental protection.
20. A new national currency was launched on 9 January, marking the second
anniversary of the signing of the Agreement. The new Sudanese pound will initially
be distributed in Southern Sudan, replacing the multiple currencies currently in
circulation. This is a big step forward, and I congratulate both parties on this
achievement.
21. The roll-out of the new national currency will have an important impact on
economic recovery and reconstruction. Donor support will be critical to making this
S/2007/42
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effort a success. Assistance will be especially required to sensitize the public and to
support the timely and efficient distribution of the new currency.
III. Implementation of other peace processes in the Sudan
22. On 14 October, the Eritrean-mediated talks between the Sudanese Government
and the Eastern Front rebel movement culminated in the signing of the Eastern
Sudan Peace Agreement. So far, implementation has progressed slowly, due in part
to the failure of the Eastern Front to present a list of nominees for the posts
allocated to it under the Agreement. However, the state of emergency was lifted in
Kassala State and Red Sea State one week after the signing, and the Agreement was
passed into law by the National Assembly on 6 November. Its incorporation into the
Constitution is pending discussions between NCP and its allies regarding the
allocation of parliamentary seats.
23. Peace talks between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance
Army (LRA) continued sporadically under the mediation of the Government of
Southern Sudan. The Juba talks led to an extension of the ceasefire until
28 February 2007. However, late in the reporting period, LRA made it clear that it
would no longer accept the Government of Southern Sudan as mediator and wished
to relocate the talks. I regret this delay. I am, however, confident that my Special
Envoy for the LRA-affected areas, former Mozambican President Chissano, will
play an important role in assisting the parties to this conflict to resolve their bitter
20-year struggle. I strongly urge the parties to remain committed to finding a
peaceful solution quickly.
24. As noted in the report on the latest events in Darfur (S/2006/1041), the
security situation in the region remains extremely volatile, as civilian populations
continue to be targeted in violation of international humanitarian and human rights
law. In recent months, tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their
homes, and the total number of internally displaced persons has reached its highest
level since the conflict flared up in 2003. While fighting has continued amid shifting
factional allegiances, efforts to conclude local ceasefire arrangements were
undermined by continued aerial bombardment of rebel positions by the Government.
Violence also surged along the Chad-Sudan border, as Chadian armed opposition
groups launched attacks from Darfur into Chad. Meanwhile, implementation of the
Darfur Peace Agreement made only halting progress.
25. UNMIS is currently working to finalize the implementation of the “light
support package” of assistance to the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS).
The first part of a three-phase approach that will culminate in a hybrid African
Union/United Nations mission in Darfur, the package includes United Nations
military and police advisory personnel, as well as material and equipment for AMIS.
On 26 December, the tripartite mechanism established by the United Nations, the
African Union, and the Government of National Unity to facilitate implementation
of the three-phase approach resolved several outstanding issues, including the attire
of United Nations military and police personnel deployed under the light support
package, who will wear their national uniforms, blue berets and African Union
armbands.
26. The United Nations and the African Union held a final round of consultations
in Khartoum from 18 to 20 January to finalize the “heavy support package”, the
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second step of the three-phase approach. The package, which includes a range of
force enablers, three formed police units, civilian personnel and mission support
items, was transmitted to President Al-Bashir on 24 January in separate letters from
African Union Chairperson Konaré and the Secretary-General. It is expected that the
tripartite mechanism will also facilitate the implementation of this package. The
African Union and the United Nations held additional consultations from 22 to
24 January on their hybrid operation. The consultations focused on the basic
requirements of the operation, including its essential characteristics such as
mandate, force size and command and control arrangements.
IV. Implementation of the mandate of the United Nations
Mission in the Sudan
Political support and reconciliation
27. As part of its good offices mandate to help resolve ongoing conflicts in the
Sudan, UNMIS worked with politicians and local communities in Southern Sudan to
promote the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Southern Sudan Interim
Constitution. Peace and reconciliation efforts continued, especially following
tensions in Juba, Rumbek and Malakal. In Abyei, UNMIS undertook a three-day
helicopter peace mission with Misseriya and Dinka Ngok traditional leaders to
promote peaceful coexistence along nomadic migration routes. In the peace process
between the Government of Uganda and LRA, UNMIS provided aviation support to
Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring Team patrols as well as flights to the assembly
areas for the parties or associated individuals when necessary.
28. UNMIS also remained actively engaged in the efforts to find a political
solution to the conflict in Darfur (see S/2006/1041). Further to the high-level
discussions held in late November in Addis Ababa, UNMIS and the African Union
are working to chart a course to re-engage the non-signatories to the Darfur Peace
Agreement in the political process. UNMIS has also held events throughout Darfur
to disseminate the Agreement and plan for the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and
Consultation. Meanwhile, my new Special Envoy, Jan Eliasson, visited the region,
and will be working closely with the African Union over the coming weeks and
months to move the peace process forward.
Military deployment and activities
29. As at 10 January, 94 per cent of mandated UNMIS military personnel (9,322
out of a total of 9,831) had been deployed, including 579 United Nations military
observers, 181 staff officers and 8,514 troops from troop-contributing countries.
While team sites have now been established throughout the Mission’s area of
operations, planning is under way to set up three additional sites at Raga in Western
Bahr Al Ghazal, Talodi in Southern Kordofan and Baw in Blue Nile State. In line
with the Security Council’s request to reduce the military component, taking into
account progress made on the ground, UNMIS has now fully withdrawn the
Nepalese component that had been based in eastern Sudan, and is also adjusting its
number of military observers from 750 to 625.
30. The military component continues its monitoring and verification activities
throughout its area of operations. The increased tension where other armed groups
S/2007/42
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continue to operate and the growing number of violent clashes has stretched the
force in some areas, especially where additional team sites have been established.
The force has increasingly played a proactive arbitration and humanitarian role in
resolving other armed group and ethnic clashes in the Malakal region and elsewhere.
It also provided river transport and escort for a Government of Southern Sudan
investigative and reconciliation committee having the task of resolving an intratribal
dispute in Jonglei State.
31. At the same time, the military component has been undertaking civil-military
cooperation tasks in support of local communities, including the building and
equipping of a medical clinic, the construction and grading of roads and the building
of ablution facilities. With the start of the dry season, temporary repairs to sections
of the Ed Damazin-Dindirou-Kurmuk road by UNMIS force engineering assets
assisted in the return of refugees from Ethiopia. Wherever possible, local labour is
trained to carry out such tasks, enabling individuals to gain vocational training and
experience.
Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
32. The parties have made some progress on the planning of disarmament,
demobilization and reintegration programmes. The National Council for
Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Coordination, decreed by the
presidency in February 2006, finally met in December. It requested the submission
of a comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme for
the north and the south, and started to give much-needed attention to the problem of
the armed militia. The Council is key to creating a favourable political and
operational environment for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. It
should now establish appropriate eligibility criteria for entry into the programme
and oversee the ongoing registration of members of SAF and SPLA.
33. There continues to be modest progress in the interim disarmament,
demobilization and reintegration programme, focusing on special groups (women,
children and the disabled). During the reporting period, 211 children were
demobilized and reunited with their families, the majority of which are enrolled in
school and benefit from community-based child protection network programmes.
Continued national and international support is required to strengthen the northern
and southern Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commissions
in order to better implement the interim programme and plan for the next phase of
the programme focusing on SAF, SPLA and the other armed groups.
34. In planning for the main disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
programme, UNMIS supported the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
Commission in the pre-registration of 60,477 soldiers and members of other armed
groups for voluntary disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. This included
22,026 regular SAF soldiers, 17,000 members of the Popular Defence Forces, 5,000
disabled soldiers and 16,451 members of other armed groups aligned with SAF. In
the south, SPLA continues to finalize its list of combatants. Once the lists have been
completed, UNMIS will assist the two Disarmament, Demobilization and
Reintegration Commissions in verifying the numbers. Eventual acceptance into the
disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme needs to be based strictly
on properly formulated eligibility criteria established by the National Council.
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Proper vetting during the planning stage will yield significantly better results when
the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme commences.
Electoral assistance
35. With the midterm elections set for 2008 or 2009, UNMIS is starting to build its
capacity to meet the technical assistance requirements in support of electoral
preparations. As noted above, the requisite electoral legislation remains to be
passed. The Mission’s electoral activities have thus far focused on tracking and
monitoring progress in developing the legal framework for elections, particularly
the draft elections law, rules for the registration of political parties and the
establishment of the National Electoral Commission, as required by the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement. A mechanism for coordination of international
assistance was established in early December, which will aim to identify areas of
cooperation and optimize resource allocation among donors and international
partners.
Police
36. As at 5 January, UNMIS had deployed 662 United Nations police officers from
44 countries, who are currently stationed at 19 team sites, representing 93 per cent
of the authorized strength.
37. UNMIS continued to support the development of the Southern Sudan Police
Service, working with the newly established Police Development Committee (PDC),
including through the registration of police officers. During the reporting period, the
Mission began to implement its strategy of co-locating its police advisers with local
police forces. By early December, 74 United Nations police advisers were based at
27 local police stations in Southern Sudan, and additional advisers were located at 8
police stations in the transitional areas, proactively assisting local counterparts to
perform their duties and carrying out on-site training activities. Senior United
Nations police advisers were also attached to senior Southern Sudan Police Service
officers responsible for planning. UNMIS is widening its community policing
programmes, including within transit camps for internally displaced persons.
38. The Mission has also worked to deepen its engagement with the police service
in northern Sudan. In December, UNMIS, the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and the police service signed a letter of collaboration enabling
the provision of police training in northern Sudan. The Government of National
Unity Ministry of Interior also agreed to establish a Police Development Committee
to coordinate cooperation with United Nations police and donors. Detailed training
needs and requests to donors can now be discussed in the Police Development
Committee forum, and the Governments of Norway and Denmark have already
offered assistance. As noted in previous reports, other donors are strongly urged to
come forward to assist in this critical aspect of the UNMIS mandate.
Human rights
39. UNMIS continued active human rights monitoring during the reporting period.
Particular human rights abuses occurred during the hostilities in Malakal, when
SAF, its allied armed groups and SPLA failed to discriminate between combatants
and non-combatants and used disproportionate violence resulting in a high toll on
civilians. Meanwhile, chronic concerns over the proliferation of weapons, the
S/2007/42
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continuing existence of other armed groups, weak command and control among
armed elements and a lack of rule of law added to the insecurity, which continues to
expose civilians to unnecessary and unpredictable violence.
40. Particular concerns surround the displacement of civilians associated with oil
development. An UNMIS analysis of the impact of oil exploration found that
companies were employing environmentally unsound methods. Hazardous waste is
regularly dumped into civilian water supply areas, while roads to oil installations
destroy farmland and livelihoods. At the same time, commitments under the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement relating to consultation and compensation for land
confiscation and displacement are not being implemented.
41. UNMIS continued to support the formation of human rights mechanisms
provided for in the Agreement and held a number of workshops over the reporting
period. In Southern Sudan, UNMIS supported commissioners appointed to the
Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission, including in the development of
enabling legislation and an annual budget and in strategic planning. Work was
adversely affected by the expulsion of a staff member in October.
Rule of law
42. UNMIS continued to support parties, parliamentarians and civil society
engaged in law reform, including through the organization of workshops and
seminars. In that connection, UNMIS supported a seminar on parliamentary
oversight of the security sector ahead of the upcoming debate on a new security bill
and provided technical assistance in the drafting of the Khartoum State children’s
bill. The Mission also provided substantive advice to the drafting of the prison
services bill for Southern Sudan. UNDP continued to provide capacity-building
support to legal professionals, including paralegals, lawyers, police, prosecutors,
judges and prison service personnel.
43. In response to a request by UNMIS, the Governments of Ghana and Kenya
have offered to assist in training Southern Sudan prison staff in Accra and Nairobi.
In November, UNMIS initiated the establishment of a Prisons Development
Committee in Juba to provide policy direction to prison officials regarding reform in
Southern Sudan. In collaboration with Government of Southern Sudan authorities,
the Mission has started registering all staff of the Prisons Service of Southern Sudan
and is providing training on minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners and
on basic prison management.
Public information
44. UNMIS Radio (Miraya/Mirror FM) continued to build listenership in the
south. Repeater stations are now operating in Wau and Malakal. Miraya FM is also
producing programmes on the Comprehensive and Darfur Peace Agreements for
rebroadcast on some state radio stations in the south, in Southern Kordofan and, in
cooperation with AMIS, in Darfur. The United Nations station is also assisting
southern state radio stations through quick-impact projects and technical advice.
Plans to boost listenership through short-wave radio and via a website with audio
capability are ongoing. However, despite regular meetings with the Government,
UNMIS still has no agreement to broadcast.
S/2007/42
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45. UNMIS has continued to provide public information support to AMIS with the
loan of staff and equipment, website support and presentations on the Darfur Peace
Agreement. This support will build with the recruitment of additional public
information staff within the light support package. In the south, regular CPA
presentations and workshops with community leaders on the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement have continued, along with United Nations police and military training
in the dissemination of information on the Agreement. In the north, in spite of
positive interaction with some individuals and universities on issues pertaining to
the Agreement and the role of UNMIS in the country, there remains an overall
reluctance on the part of northern institutions and individuals to embrace the United
Nations message.
Humanitarian assistance
46. The 2007 United Nations and partners’ workplan was launched in Geneva on
14 December. The workplan focuses on continued support for the implementation of
the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, expanded recovery and development
activities, an increased emphasis on reintegration initiatives for returning
populations and the continued provision of humanitarian assistance. The total cost
of assistance is some $1.26 billion for humanitarian activities and $560 million for
recovery and development. Relative to 2006, the workplan reflects an increased
focus on the delivery of an assistance package for the reconstruction and economic
development of the Sudan.
47. In October, violence along roads east of Juba in Southern Sudan severely
impeded access for aid workers. The clashes in Malakal in November led the United
Nations to relocate temporarily 230 non-essential United Nations and nongovernmental
organization personnel. Civilian displacement also occurred and,
although many people have returned, some civilians still seek help to move north.
Humanitarian agencies rapidly undertook the disposal of bodies, the provision of
water points and chlorine and the restocking of hospital medicine and supplies in the
aftermath of the ceasefire.
48. In Darfur (see S/2006/1041), humanitarian access was significantly curtailed
and aid workers were increasingly targeted. Because of ongoing fighting,
humanitarian staff frequently had to be relocated temporarily, and organizations’
operational capacities and access to populations were seriously reduced. However,
mortality rates in Darfur have dropped for the second consecutive year, and
malnutrition rates remain under control.
Protection of civilians
49. As noted above, widespread insecurity continued to adversely affect civilian
protection. During the fighting in Malakal in November, UNMIS personnel worked
to identify and refer emergency needs of the civilian population and to establish
casualty figures and damage assessments. Elsewhere, the reporting period saw rising
tensions within ethnic and tribal communities and placed at-risk civilian populations
out of the reach of humanitarian assistance. Protection staff provided early warning
and analysis of those issues and forged joint responses with agencies and nongovernmental
organizations through protection working groups.
50. Children continue to be associated with armed forces and groups. United
Nations field teams identified scores of child soldiers in the ranks of the Pibor
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Defence Forces in Jonglei State and in the Southern Sudan Defence Forces in Upper
Nile State. Targeted efforts to sensitize stakeholders in the affected areas were
stepped up in Pibor. Child protection staff facilitated the release of children in Wau
and remain on standby as efforts to demobilize children in Bentiu proceed.
Meanwhile, despite assurances to the former Emergency Relief Coordinator that it
would release its considerable number of women and children, the Lord’s Resistance
Army has shown no sign of doing so. Work was adversely affected by the expulsion
of a staff member in October.
51. The situation in Darfur diverted valuable protection resources from the chronic
problems in Southern Sudan and the transitional areas. In Darfur, advocacy on
protection issues has been ill received by the local authorities, and dialogue has
become increasingly confrontational, as witnessed in particular by the ejection of
the Norwegian Refugee Council. As non-governmental organizations reduced their
protection activities, joint United Nations protection working groups sought to
maintain accurate reporting and identify alternative channels for assistance.
Returns
52. The start of the dry season in November marked the beginning of the 2006/07
return season. In an unprecedented development, the Government of National Unity,
the Government of Southern Sudan, UNMIS and the United Nations country team
agreed to a single joint plan for the organized return of some 200,000 internally
displaced persons. By December 2007, the three parties aim to return 150,000
people from Khartoum and other northern states and a further 48,000 people from
other locations to Southern Sudan and Blue Nile State. In a demonstration of the
seriousness of their commitment, the Government of National Unity and the
Government of Southern Sudan have together contributed $51 million towards the
operation, $24 million of which has already been allocated by the Government of
Southern Sudan. This operation is seen by all parties as a significant step forward.
53. In greater Khartoum, the United Nations pursues its efforts to monitor the
conditions of internally displaced persons through community-based mechanisms,
specific assessments and dialogue with the competent authorities. In Darfur, as the
dry season begins, state authorities have begun to apply pressure on the United
Nations to begin returns. This year the context in Darfur makes returns even less
appropriate than in 2006. However, the United Nations continues to engage the
Government and has agreed to jointly assess areas to which returns may be feasible,
in accordance with existing policies.
Mine action
54. Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to present a major threat to the
population in many parts of the Sudan, as well as to United Nations and
non-governmental organization personnel operating on the ground. Although
severely hampered by rains at the beginning of the reporting period, UNMIS mine
action teams have made steady progress. Over 9.5 million square metres of
suspected dangerous areas have been cleared, as well as some 2,500 anti-personnel
mines, 1,000 anti-tank mines and some 500,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance and
small arms ammunition. UNMIS and the United Nations Children’s Fund provided
mine-risk education to more than 950,000 people. UNMIS provided briefings on
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landmine safety to over 6,200 Mission staff, agencies and non-governmental
organizations and trained more than 200 staff as trainers.
55. UNMIS mine action teams continued to work on roads and in communities
that have been prioritized in the Nuba Mountains, Juba, Rumbek, Wau, Yei,
Malakal, Ed Damazin, Darfur and Kassala. For the first time, a United Nations mine
action team was able to survey the roads around Hameshkoreib in eastern Sudan
after the SPLA withdrawal and identified several dangerous areas for further
clearance. All five UNMIS demining contingents from Bangladesh, Cambodia,
Egypt, Kenya and Pakistan have commenced operations. Demining activity, which
is a prerequisite for further development activities in the Sudan, requires continuous
support from the international community.
Economic recovery and reconstruction
56. Economic recovery and reconstruction is a critical activity in Southern Sudan
and the transitional areas. The United Nations has increased its programming
significantly in support of Government counterparts and local actors, including
through the multi-donor trust fund for Southern Sudan. The trust fund has approved
projects worth $235.3 million to support Government capacity-building, reform of
the judiciary, health, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure development,
livestock and the census. There are also projects planned for support for the states,
agriculture, the rule of law, HIV/AIDS programmes and private sector development.
Although progress in the transitional areas has been slower, the World Bank reports
that over 40 per cent of total national multi-donor trust fund project commitments
are earmarked for those areas ($38 million out of about $90 million total). Specific
programmes focusing on capacity-building and basic social services for Southern
Kordofan and Blue Nile States are currently under development.
57. Although the delivery of these and other peace dividends has been offset by
slower than expected disbursement through the multi-donor trust funds, the
achievements made so far in Southern Sudan give cause for optimism. These include
an expansion of markets and an increase in trade, with a significant reduction in the
cost of basic items in key locations, such as Juba. The opening of roads has also led
to an increased movement of people and investment in the private sector in Southern
Sudan. There has also been significant progress in establishing key Government
functions and bodies, although functions relating to payroll, procurement and
treasury systems have yet to become fully operational. The roll-out of the new
national currency in 2007, which will focus in the initial stages on the south, will
give a further boost to private sector development. Overall, economic indicators
relating to growth, inflation and foreign direct investment remain strong.
58. Further to the signature of the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement, the 2007
United Nations and partners’ workplan includes a focus on recovery and
development of the eastern states, including alignment with priorities set out in the
Agreement and the Government’s five-year plan. Progress in Darfur with respect to
the joint assessment mission came to a halt because of the prevailing insecurity. The
assessment mission will be concluded when conditions improve.
Gender
59. In connection with the upcoming elections in 2008-2009, the Gender Unit
initiated an assessment of the technical support needs of prospective women
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candidates from political parties in both the north and the south. In Southern Sudan,
UNMIS has been promoting implementation of the 25 per cent quota for women
stipulated in the Southern Sudan Interim Constitution. The Unit is also
strengthening dialogue and cooperation with the AMIS gender office. In Darfur,
UNMIS continues to advocate for effective mechanisms to prevent and respond to
gender-based violence. Training activities targeting mission personnel and national
partners were also undertaken, including for police personnel of the Government of
Southern Sudan. The Unit also conducted activities to mark the sixth anniversary of
the adoption by the Security Council of its resolution 1325 (2000).
HIV/AIDS
60. The HIV/AIDS Unit conducted further training of HIV/AIDS peer educators,
bringing the total number of trained educators to 154, and sensitized 2,000
peacekeepers. Voluntary confidential counselling and testing services were offered
to 70 Mission personnel. Through its six regional HIV committees, the Unit helped
to sensitize some 61,690 members of the uniformed services and the general
population in the Sudan in 2006. UNMIS also organized workshops throughout the
Mission area marking World AIDS Day.
Conduct and discipline
61. During the reporting period, 29 new cases of misconduct were reported to the
conduct and discipline team, two of which were classified as serious misconduct and
referred to the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) for investigation.
Delays in reporting the outcome of OIOS investigations need to be addressed to
build confidence and avoid impunity. The conduct and discipline team also
continued its activities to ensure that all Mission personnel complied with the
United Nations code of conduct for the Sudan. Newly deployed civilian staff,
military observers and police personnel received briefings on United Nations
standards of conduct and the United Nations policy of zero tolerance for sexual
exploitation and abuse. UNMIS, United Nations agencies and international
non-governmental organizations began a joint assessment of southern communities’
perceptions and risk factors conducive to misconduct.
62. At the end of the reporting period, allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse
were levelled at UNMIS personnel in Juba. I wish to make clear that I will not
tolerate this behaviour within the United Nations. The zero-tolerance policy,
meaning zero complacency and zero impunity, will be strictly enforced. I pledge
that all allegations will be followed up systematically by relevant United Nations
mechanisms, working with local authorities and other partners, including troopcontributing
countries, to ensure that this kind of behaviour is rooted out wherever it
exists. When necessary, strong disciplinary action will be taken. In this connection, I
would call upon all peacekeeping partners, including members of the press, to come
forward with any information they may have in their possession to help us deal with
the problem.
Civilian staffing
63. UNMIS continues to face serious problems in recruiting and retaining wellqualified
international and nationally recruited staff members. The Mission carried
out aggressive recruitment campaigns for international and national staff with the
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assistance of Department of Peacekeeping Operations recruitment teams, as well as
staff temporarily assigned from other missions. As a result, civilian staff strength
rose to 827 international staff (out of a total of 1,139 posts), 2,229 national staff (out
of a total of 3,342 posts) and 177 United Nations Volunteers (out of a total of 231
posts).
V. Challenges in mandate implementation
64. UNMIS continues to face considerable challenges in carrying out its mandate
and daily tasks. Since its inception, the Mission has had to operate in an atmosphere
of opposition on the part of some political forces to the multidimensional mandate
given to it by the Security Council in its resolution 1590 (2005). The Government’s
overall attitude towards the Mission has been considerably amplified as a result of
the intense discussions that have unfolded over recent months concerning a possible
United Nations peacekeeping role in Darfur. UNMIS regularly faces bureaucratic
obstacles from the authorities, an alarming number of crises and forced evacuations
from its offices in Darfur and in Southern Sudan, a latent terrorist threat and
multiple mission support and logistical problems due in part to the difficult
environment in which the Mission operates, as well as the increasing demands
supporting its growing role in Darfur.
65. On 22 October, the Government informed my predecessor that it had decided
to “terminate” the mission of Special Representative Jan Pronk and requested him to
leave the Sudan within 72 hours. The United Nations strongly protested that
decision and made it clear that only the Secretary-General could decide on the
tenure of his Special Representatives. The unfortunate episode amplifies the
imperative to resolve existing issues through dialogue and consultation. Mr. Pronk
later returned to the Sudan for a short farewell visit prior to the expiration of his
contract at the end of the year.
66. There are other concerns about the commitment to the letter and spirit of the
agreement that governs relations between the Mission and the Sudanese authorities.
On 26 September, two staff members, while monitoring demonstrations at Khartoum
University, were detained and threatened, and United Nations equipment was
confiscated by unidentified security personnel. They were subsequently declared
personae non gratae and required to leave the Sudan. I specifically appeal to the
Government of National Unity to allow those two staff members back into the
country in a spirit of good faith and understanding.
67. Meanwhile, recurring restrictions on local freedom of movement hindered the
work of both UNMIS, in parts of its area of operations south of Khartoum, and other
United Nations and non-governmental organization partners in Darfur, which were
often not authorized to operate without travel permits from the authorities.
68. At the same time, delays in clearing UNMIS materiel through customs
continued to create serious problems for the Mission, which have occasionally left
the military component short of vital rations and communications equipment.
Despite frequent discussions with the Government, no lasting solution to this
problem has been found.
69. In the context of the intense international focus on Darfur, as well as the daily
challenges faced by UNMIS on the ground, the Mission has at times found it
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difficult to assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in carrying out
their considerable commitments. The sheer size of the country, as well as the lack of
transport and communications infrastructure on the ground, have stretched United
Nations support mechanisms and require the decentralization of some functions
from Khartoum to the regions. I have initiated preliminary steps in that direction by
appointing a senior official who will be responsible for coordinating all Mission
activities in Southern Sudan and representing the Head of Mission on a day-to-day
basis with the Government of Southern Sudan. The implications of this
decentralization, which would delegate increased levels of authority to the field,
will be met from existing resources for the immediate period. Any future changes
having an impact on current administration and support structures will be reflected
in future reports to the Security Council and subsequent budgetary submissions.
VI. Financial implications
70. The General Assembly, by its resolution 60/122 B, appropriated the amount of
$1,079,534,400, equivalent to $89,961,200 per month, for UNMIS for the period
from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007. Should the Security Council decide to extend the
mandate of UNMIS beyond 30 April 2007, the cost of maintaining the Mission until
30 June 2007 would be limited to the amounts approved by the Assembly.
71. As at 31 October 2006, unpaid assessed contributions to the Special Account
for UNMIS amounted to $524.0 million. The total outstanding assessed
contributions for all peacekeeping operations as at that date amounted to $2,541.8
million.
72. Reimbursement of troop- and contingent-owned equipment costs have been
made for the period up to 31 October 2006, in accordance with the payment
schedule.
VII. Observations
73. While the parties have achieved significant progress in implementing the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement, much remains to be done if they are to establish
an inclusive and constitutional democracy in which unity is made attractive to voters
in Southern Sudan. On the second anniversary of the Agreement, I am concerned
that the “spirit of Naivasha”, which resulted in a historic agreement two years ago,
has been somewhat elusive, especially in recent months, and that the consensus
created by the accords has been overshadowed by distrust and uncertainty.
74. The recent crisis in Malakal is a reminder that the hard-won Agreement is not
yet stable or self-sustaining, but needs constant encouragement. Mistrust between
the parties remains a serious obstacle, potential spoilers still exist and the war in
Darfur has diverted international attention and support from implementation of the
Agreement. In the context of rising tensions in the region, peace in Southern Sudan
needs renewed and sustained attention. The coming year should be a year of
increased focus on the Agreement to protect the gains made so far and to give the
Sudan a stable basis on which to move forward. I pledge my personal commitment
to this goal.
S/2007/42
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75. In that regard, there is a critical nexus of security issues where progress is
required if peace is to hold in 2007. By 9 July, SAF must complete its redeployment
north of the 1 January 1956 border. While redeployment of SPLA is predicated on
the formation of Joint Integrated Units, this is now behind the schedule set out in the
Agreement. The parties need to resolve this issue and keep to their redeployment
commitments. Importantly, the redeployment targets do not apply only to regular
forces, but also to other armed groups aligned with the parties.
76. The violence in Malakal underscored not only the need for other armed groups
to be integrated as a matter of priority, but also that Joint Integrated Units do not yet
function as the foundation of a possible future national army and as guarantors of
security and stability. The need to ensure security around sensitive areas, including
oil installations, is particularly pertinent. Unfortunately, there remains an acute
security dilemma for both parties over the management of strategic areas. There is
significant risk that what happened in Malakal could happen in other areas of
Southern Sudan.
77. Both parties must cease using militias as proxy forces and make the integration
of other armed groups a top priority. Building on the commitment to a joint solution
agreed during President Al-Bashir’s visit to Juba in November 2006, the parties
should establish the ad hoc incorporation and reintegration committees provided for
in the Agreement and work in earnest through the Other Armed Groups
Collaborative Committee and the National Council for Disarmament,
Demobilization and Reintegration Coordination for the integration or
demobilization of all armed militias. As noted in paragraph 33 above, international
support for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration mechanisms will
continue to be critical to implementation.
78. Equally urgent is the agreement of a joint doctrine and training programme for
Joint Integrated Units. As the Sudanese Armed Forces depart Southern Sudan, the
ability of the Units to provide security will be critical. If the Units are not
integrated, professional and well regulated, they risk becoming part of the problem
rather than part of the solution. The Joint Defence Board has previously requested
help from the international community to develop the Joint Integrated Units. The
Comprehensive Peace Agreement also specifically states that the parties would call
upon the international community to provide technical, material and financial
support to assist in forming and training the Units. I call upon Member States with
experience and expertise in security sector reform to urgently second experts to
assist UNMIS in this area, working with the Joint Defence Board to develop an
integrated programme of assistance.
79. I urge the parties to begin in earnest the demarcation of the 1 January 1956
border and to agree the status of Abyei. It must be recognized that if the border issue
is not resolved expeditiously, it might be difficult to verify full redeployment in July
2007. Where it is required, the international community should provide financial
and technical support to the technical ad hoc border committee.
80. The commitment of both parties to develop professional and accountable
police services in line with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is a most welcome
sign. The Police Development Committee in Southern Sudan and the newly created
Police Development Committee in the north are important forums that bring
together the respective police experts from the Sudan, the United Nations,
non-governmental organizations and representatives of donor countries. I encourage
S/2007/42
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the Committees to work energetically to identify training and logistical needs and
urge donors to liaise closely with them to ensure that capacity-building assistance to
the police is well coordinated and targeted.
81. Some of the central institutions within the Comprehensive Peace Agreement
need to be more effective than they have been so far. One such institution is the
Assessment and Evaluation Commission, which has a critical oversight function
over the Agreement and has been given the task of supporting the parties in their
commitment to “make unity attractive”. Equally, the Ceasefire Political Commission
must function more effectively, and the parties should use the planned review of its
activities to revitalize this important forum in 2007. It is recognized that UNMIS
could play a more prominent role within the Assessment and Evaluation
Commission, and I intend to actively support this. So too should the broader
international community, and especially those countries with an interest in Sudanese
peace and development, become more active in both Commissions, as well as
outside their framework.
82. Despite the public airing of disagreements during the celebrations marking the
second anniversary of the Agreement, there seems to be a generally improved
partnership in recent weeks between NCP and SPLM, which has enabled progress
on important areas, like the National Petroleum Commission. I am concerned,
however, that the parties still appear reluctant to tackle resolutely difficult issues in
the institutions provided for in the Agreement, preferring instead to resort to
informal discussions. If the Agreement is to take deeper root, more must be done to
improve transparency in political decision-making and to improve the capacity of all
parties to participate in the political process. Donor support in building the capacity
of political parties and parliamentary institutions will also remain essential.
83. It is time to begin the process of ensuring that conditions are in place for a free
and fair electoral process, expected in 2008 or 2009. The enactment of electoral
legislation and the establishment of the Electoral Commission are long overdue. I
hope that the parties will move forward rapidly with the creation of the
Commission, which will then need the political, financial and technical support of
donors to prepare for the polls.
84. Two years after the signing of the Agreement, it is particularly crucial to
provide tangible benefits of peace to the people of the Sudan. In its resolution 1590
(2005), the Security Council urged rapid delivery of an assistance package for the
reconstruction and economic development of the Sudan. In practice, progress has
been slower than expected, especially in Southern Sudan. I welcome the discussions
now under way with the Government of Southern Sudan and other key stakeholders
to establish a “second window” for the multi-donor trust fund for Southern Sudan,
which would be administered by the United Nations and which would emphasize
expeditious implementation in areas of urgent need. At the same time, the wider
exploitation of resources in Southern Sudan must be carried out responsibly, so that
accelerating economic development results in a genuine peace dividend for the
population at large.
85. International concern with the situation in Darfur in the past two years has,
understandably, diverted significant attention, as well as human and financial
resources, away from implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. In
this respect, Darfur is not just a human tragedy, it also reflects negatively on the
central precept of the Agreement, that Sudanese unity should be made attractive to
S/2007/42
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Southern Sudanese voters. A swift, peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur
could go a long way towards restoring trust between the parties to the Agreement.
Conversely, the longer the conflict drags on, the harder it will be to persuade the
Southern Sudanese that their best interests lie within a united Sudan.
86. It is also crucial to remember that the Agreement is the bedrock and foundation
of all subsequent agreements, including the Darfur Peace Agreement. Therefore,
sustained international support for this complex Agreement will be indispensable. I
am convinced that 2007 should be a year of renewed support and engagement on the
Agreement. As a centrepiece, I fully support the recent announcement by IGAD that
it, as sponsor and mediator of the Agreement, plans to convene a major meeting to
assess implementation of the Agreement in July 2007.
87. While calling for additional support for the Agreement, I request that both
parties continue to give their full support to the United Nations in its efforts to assist
them in implementing the Agreement. As I begin my term as Secretary-General, I
want to assure both parties that the Organization will remain an entirely impartial
arbiter, committed to bringing peace and development to all the Sudanese people. In
return, I ask for fairness from both parties, for dialogue and mutual understanding
and for a commitment to assist the United Nations in carrying out its mandated role.
88. In conclusion, I wish to thank all United Nations personnel in the Sudan for
their tireless service in support of the Agreement and for helping to resolve the
conflict in Darfur. Thanks to their efforts, the United Nations is ready to further
assist the Sudanese people and authorities in implementing their historic
agreements.
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