91997E2887

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2887/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Council (16 September 1997)

Subject: Religious persecution in Sudan

Is the Council aware of the lack of tolerance shown by the Sudanese government towards non-Islamic religious groups within the country?

What actin is the Council taking to pressure the Sudanese authorities into halting these abuses of human rights?

Answer (26 Novembr 1997)

The Council notes with regret that for several years now Sudan has not been respecting the United Nations Conventions on Human Rights, inter alia regarding religious freedom. This was moreover confirmed by Resolution 51/112 of the United Nations General Assembly of 5 March 1997. In its contacts with the Sudanese authorities, the European Union has always urged them to halt the intolerance and violence towards non-Islamic sectors of the population. In this context, the Union has frequently reaffirmed its support for the efforts made to bring peace to Sudan and in particular for the initiatives taken by the IGAD countries. The Union remains prepared to contribute in every way possible to the peace process and the conclusion of an agreement which allows all Sudanese to live freely together.