Sudan: Amnesty welcomes UN Commission of Inquiry

Sudan: Amnesty International welcomes UN Commission of Inquiry

Amnesty International welcomes the establishment by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan of a five-member commission to inquire into the human rights situation in the Darfur region of Sudan.

The commission has strong expertise in human rights and international law. In addition to the President, Antonio Cassese, the other members are Diego Garcia-Sayán, Mohammed Fayek, Jilani and Thérese Striggner Scott. They will be supported in their work by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The commission's mandate is set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1564 (2004) which requires it to investigate reports of violations by all parties of international human rights and humanitarian law; determine whether or not acts of genocide have occurred; and identify the perpetrators of such violations with a view to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Amnesty International calls on all relevant parties to provide the necessary assistance for the commission to carry out its functions.

Further information on the human rights crisis in Sudan:

http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maacJtmabaER5bb0hPub/

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