UN rights office urges Sudan to investigate ambush on convoy News
UN rights office urges Sudan to investigate ambush on convoy
Photo source or description

[JURIST] The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) [official website] on Friday called on Sudanese authorities to investigate an attack on one of its convoys on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) [official website] peacemaker and injuring three others. UNAMID reported [press release] the ambush occurred when unidentified assailants opened automatic and mortar fire on a UNAMID convoy in North Darfur which was on its way to follow up on recent reports of violence. The OHCHR issued a statement at a press briefing in Geneva condemning [press release; UN News Centre report] the attack:

We strongly condemn Wednesday’s armed attack in North Darfur on a UN convoy comprised of military, police and civilian staff, including two human rights officers. … We remind the Government of the Sudan that it is responsible for the protection of mission staff as they fulfill their mandate to protect civilians and monitor human rights violations. The Government must promptly launch a serious investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

During the past month in Darfur, UNAMID has lost five peacekeepers due to violent attacks. Since the establishment of UNAMID in December 2007, 43 peacemakers have been killed.

Sudan has experienced continued violent conflict. In August the OHCHR called on Sudan [JURIST report] to investigate violent and excessive force by the government against protesters. In July Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch [advocacy websites] also urged Sudan [JURIST report] to end violence and abuse against protesters. In June the UN expressed concern [JURIST report] about deteriorating conditions in Sudan due to continued violent conflict in the country. Earlier that month UN Independent Expert on Human Rights in Sudan, Mashood Adebayo Baderin stated the country still must take further steps [JURIST report] towards implementing its human rights obligations.