Sudan: Attacks on camps for the displaced must stop immediately
Amnesty International today called for an immediate halt to attacks by Sudanese security forces on displaced persons'
camps in Darfur. The latest assault on residents at the El-Geer camp near Nyala is the fourth time over the past ten
days that displaced persons' camps have been attacked.
The attacks come just a day after Sudan's government signed humanitarian and security agreements with armed opposition
groups in the Nigerian capital of Abuja,
"This attack shows a callous disregard on the part of the Government of Sudan for its most basic obligations under
humanitarian and human rights law," Amnesty International said
Police fired tear gas, assaulted residents and bulldozed shelters in El-Geer camp, ignoring the protests of
representatives of the United Nations, the African Union and international aid agencies who were present during the
attack. Journalists also came under fire and the deputy chief of the camp was beaten up and arrested.
The assault comes a week before the UN Security Council is due to meet in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss crises in the
region and at a time when the UN Commission of Inquiry is visiting the area.
"The attacks show how urgent it is for the international community to take firm measures at next week's UN Security
Council meeting to ensure the security of civilians in Darfur and the protection of their human rights," Amnesty
International said.
More about the crisis in Sudan at http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maacQHTabbBw3bb0hPub/
For the Sudan slideshow please visit http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maacQHTabbBw4bb0hPub/
Sudan crisis activist toolkit available online at http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maacQHTabbBw5bb0hPub/