UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Implementation of the peace process in Sudan remains limited with intercommunal violence in Darfur on the rise, the Security Council heard Monday as the head of that country's sanctions committee reiterated the need for targeted sanctions.

Sven Jurgenson, permanent representative of Estonia to the United Nations, briefing the 15-member organ in his capacity as chair of the Security Council committee established pursuant to Resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan, said that through the reporting period -- March 25 to June 14 -- targeted sanctions, including the Darfur arms embargo, continue thwarting actions that may spoil peace in the country.

Jurgenson informed member states that the committee held two informal consultations in the form of closed videoconferences. The first was held on March 30 when the committee was briefed by the panel of experts on its work program for the current mandate. The second took place on May 17, when the committee was briefed by Virginia Gamba, special representative of the secretary-general for children and armed conflict.

Gamba outlined Sudanese efforts to protect civilians but warned that national capacities to do so remain limited, requiring additional engagement between the government and armed groups to address violations.

Also, during the reporting period, on May 28, the committee received its first quarterly update from the panel of experts on the Sudan, he said, covering implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement, regional dynamics, the status of armed groups in the region, intercommunal violence and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Highlighting elements of the quarterly update, Jurgenson said that while signatories to the peace agreement -- which include the government and several non-state groups -- remain committed to its implementation, the process remains limited.

Turning to Darfur, the panel reported that intercommunal violence continues to grow in several areas, resulting in new displacement. In most cases, the government of Sudan was able to restore order.

Throughout the past year, Sudan's government has taken measures to respond to the surge of clashes in different parts of Darfur, he said, noting that certain capacity constraints continue to limit the state's capacity to respond.

Jurgenson told the council that the committee completed a review of the list of individuals under targeted sanctions, with the aim of bringing it up to date with current realities.

As a result of this review process, one individual was removed from the sanctions list and three individuals remained under sanctions.

Jurgenson assured the council that targeted measures and the arms embargo on Darfur serve the sole purpose of helping Sudan to achieve peace, concluding that these actions ultimately serve the purpose of preventing further proliferation of arms. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)