[JURIST] UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan Aristide Nononsi [official profile] on Wednesday called for [press release] the Sudanese government to protect civilian rights in Darfur [OSU backgrounder]. Since 2003 the region has faced civil unrest from conflict between the government and rebel groups. Thousands of people are currently in displacement camps as a result from the conflict. Nononsi spoke after a 12-day mission as a follow-up [press release] on UN recommendations to assess the efforts of the Sudanese government to follow international standards on human rights:

This community remains anxious about the security situation in the area. Its members want enhanced protection of civilians by the authorities as well as basic services, including access to water, education and health care. It is essential for the Government, with the support of its international partners, to effectively protect the rights of civilians in a sustainable manner.

Nononsi visited multiple villages and camps, and residents spoke of the fear of sexual violence, criminality and armed violence.

There has been significant criticism of the Sudanese government and the conflict in Darfur. In January the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and international sanctions Idriss Jazairy praised [JURIST report] former US president Barack Obama’s recent decision to lift all US sanctions on Sudan. In September Amnesty International reported that the Sudanese government used [JURIST report] chemical weapons on civilians in a region of Darfur between January and September 9 2016.