“We do not need more reports. We need action.”
Geneva, Dec. 12, 2007 — UN experts reported yesterday to the Human Rights Council that Sudan has failed to live up to its commitments to improve the human rights situation in Darfur. However, Sudan insisted that “the situation is improving,” and complained about “double standards and selectivity.” Supporting Sudan were Pakistan for the Islamic group, and Egypt for the African group, which said that “the international community has failed to truly assist Sudan regarding Darfur.” Malaysia praised Sudan’s “positive engagement” and said Sudan faced “many difficulties” and needed to be “given the time and resources it requires” to implement its obligations.
UN Watch reponded in a speech delivered by Gibreil Hamid, a survivor from Darfur. See full text below.
UN Human Rights Council
Geneva, Switzerland, Dec. 11, 2007
UN Watch Speech on Darfur
Thank you, Mr. President.
My name is Gibreil Hamid, I am from Darfur, and I am delivering this statement on behalf of UN Watch.
Many think that the tragedy in Darfur began in 2003. From personal experience, I can testify that this is not the case.
I was born in a small village called Taradona, near Zalinge, in West Darfur. The people were living peacefully until the genocidal regime now in Khartoum seized power in a military coup. It was a black day for the whole country.
In 1989, gunmen attacked my village in the early morning, killing over fifty people from my family. For me, it was the beginning of a nightmare that has lasted eighteen years. Until today, no one knows who committed this atrocity, or why. I can forgive, but I will never forget.
Since 2003, Darfur is known as the worst humanitarian catastrophe on earth. Diplomatic efforts have failed to stop the crimes of the Sudanese government.
We, the victims of Darfur, were hoping so much that this new Human Rights Council would give us a voice, and make a difference in our lives. Yet the genocide continues, and it seems that all this Council does is ask for more reports.
Mr. President, we, the victims of Darfur, come before this council today with a simple message. We do not need more reports. Time is running out. We need action. Our humanitarian situation is critical. Our security situation worsens every day. The Janjaweed are killing and raping us. The innocent civilians of Darfur are in desperate need of protection. We need action, and we need it now.
On behalf of UN Watch and all of the victims of Darfur, I plead before the Council today: please stop adopting resolutions that praise Sudan for its so-called “cooperation.” Please do not eliminate the independent expert on Sudan. Please take action to end the terrible crimes of war.
To all those who are willing to speak out against genocide: May God bless you and give us peace.
Thank you, Mr. President.
