§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the Government of Sudan about the attacks made by their army on two refugee camps near Nyala in Darfur on 2 November. [HL4764]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanOn 2 and 3 November, government of Sudan forces attempted to relocate the inhabitants of two displaced persons camps in Darfur. This was done with an unacceptable level of force and without the prior consultation required by the memorandum of understanding with the International Organisation for Migration.
131WAFollowing the intervention of African Union monitors and the United Nations the relocations were suspended and some displaced persons began returning to the camps the following day.
We have made clear to the Government of Sudan, including through our Ambassador in Khartoum, that we hold them fully responsible for this violation, and have stressed that all relocations of displaced persons must be voluntary and appropriate and carried out in consultation with the international community, as per the agreed Memorandum of Understanding.
§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have instructed British officials in Sudan to investigate allegations that chemical weapons have been used against civilians in Darfur. [HL4816]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe are aware of the article published in September by the German newspaperDie Welt, reporting that chemical weapons had been used in Darfur. The UK Government take all such reports of this nature very seriously. In this case, we have seen no credible evidence to support this particular allegation. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons raised this matter with the government of Sudan, who categorically rejected the allegations and reaffirmed their commitment to the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the government of Sudan concerning the evacuation of 88 humanitarian aid workers from West Darfur on 1 November following further developments in the security situation. [HL4853]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe are gravely concerned by the security situation in Darfur. As this incident shows, continued ceasefire violations by both the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups has led to increased insecurity and difficulties with humanitarian access. We make regular representations to the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups on the need to abide by the ceasefire agreement. We are also pressing both sides to fully and immediately implement the Humanitarian and Security protocols, which were signed in Abuja on 9 November.