WRITTEN QUESTION E-1015/98

by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission

(6 April 1998)

Subject: Human rights violations in Sudan

Can the Commission indicate what is being done with regard to the human rights violations in Sudan, the issue of slavery and the problems of accessibility for humanitarian aid and Human Rights Monitors? Can the Commission confirm that there are moves to promote a UN Security Council resolution on an arms embargo which will being the UN into line with the European Union which, I understand, has imposed an arms embargo on Sudan?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1998)

The Community has indeed noted with regret that the human rights situation in the Sudan continues to cause concern. Most violations occur in the war zones, but problems also exist in Khartoum. There continue to be reports of widespread and continuing human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detentions without due process, slavery, and the denial of the freedoms of religion, expression, association and peaceful assembly.

The Community has called on the authorities of the Sudan to respect human rights and humanitarian law in all parts of the country. In particular it encourages them to allow unimpeded access for aid agencies, monitors and international observers and to investigate alleged violations promptly, publish their findings and punish offenders.

The Commission continues to follow the situation very closely and avails itself of every opportunity to impress upon the government of the Sudan its obligation to restore and ensure full respect of human rights in the country.

In the framework of the Common foreign and security policy (CFSP), and in particular based on Article J.2 of the Treaty on European Union, the Council adopted on 15 March 1994 a common position on an embargo on the export of arms, ammunition and military equipment to Sudan. According to Article J.2 of the Treaty, the Member States are required to ensure that their national policies conform to the common position. The implementation of this embargo falls, therefore, under the exclusive responsibility of the Member States.

According to Article J.5 of the Treaty on European Union, the Presidency of the Council has primary responsibility for the implementation of common measures under the CFSP, including the position to be expressed by the Union in international organisations. The Commission is fully associated in this task. In so far as the Commission is aware, the question of promoting a UN Security Council resolution on an arms embargo has not been addressed in the relevant instances of the Council.