Staff security committee protests 19 January Assault on UN Workers in Sudan,

Calls for Investigation, Review of Security Situation

 

The increased cases of harassment directed against United Nations and humanitarian staff working in the Sudan are unacceptable, the United Nations Staff Council’s Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service said today.

The Committee strongly protests the most recent incident, where United Nations staff and humanitarian workers were subjected to physical assault and abuse by the police in Nyala, southern Darfur.  The Committee calls on the Sudanese Government to fulfil its obligations under international law and respect the independence of the international civil service.  In particular, detained staff must not be held without charge, and the freedom of movement of United Nations staff and their partners to do their work without hindrance must be ensured.

As reported by the United Nations Mission in the Sudan, local police and security officials on 19 January 2007 raided an international non-governmental organization compound in Nyala and arrested 20 people, including five United Nations staff members, staff of the African Union Mission in the Sudan and non-governmental organization personnel.  Several of those arrested sustained during their detention serious injuries which required treatment at the United Nations clinic.  All personnel were subsequently released.

The Committee calls on the Secretary-General for a full investigation of the incident, as well as for a complete review of the security situation in the Mission area.

The Committee condemns this violation of the security and safety of United Nations and humanitarian personnel.  It looks forward to results of the investigation of the incident and expresses solidarity with its colleagues, who are in the Sudan to assist beleaguered civilians.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record