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Darfur: U.N. Report Denounces Rapes By Sudan Soldiers
(AKI) - The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday called for investigations into widespread sexual violence during attacks by Sudanese government forces and allied militia in Darfur as well as the disappearance of over a dozen men allegedly at the hands of rebels there. In a new report, the High Commissioner's Office describes attacks in December 2006 in eastern Jebel Marra, Darfur. At least 15 cases of sexual assault, including rape, had occurred, according to the report. At least two pregnant women were targeted in the violence."Soldiers came in cars heading towards the hills. Three were in green military uniform and the fourth was in civilian clothes. All four of them were armed and all of them raped me," said one 13-year old victim, according to the report. While some women were raped in the villages, others were abducted, taken away, raped, and later released. "Based on testimony gathered, it appears that rape during the December 2006 attacks was used as a weapon of war to cause humiliation and instill fear into the local population. The attacks were indiscriminately aimed at a population of the same ethnicity as some rebel groups and also resulted in civilian death and displacement," the Office of the High Commissioner, Louise Arbour, said in a statement on the reports. Along with other recommendations, the High Commissioner is calling on government authorities to investigate the attacks. "The investigation should aim to collect evidence to identify and prosecute those who planned, orchestrated, and/or conducted the attacks," Arbour said. "The results of the investigation should be made public, legal action should be taken against those found to be responsible and the victims of the attacks should be compensated." Posted by: Fred 2007-04-07 |
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