§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have information that militias armed by the government of the Sudan have invaded parts of the Republic of Chad; and, if so, whether they will raise the matter at the United Nations Security Council; and [HL2186]
Whether they will consider that acts of genocide have taken place in Darfur Province of the Sudan; and, if so, what action they will take. [HL2187]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)We are seriously concerned about the situation in Sudan and the reported targeting of civilians, and are in close contact with the UN on this matter. We are urging the parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and to respect the principles set down in international humanitarian law.
3WAThe UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs briefed the UN Security Council about the humanitarian situation in Darfur on 2 April. We and the UN agree that what is happening in Darfur cannot be described as genocide. But we are concerned at reports of systematic attacks on civilians, including rape, pillage and destruction of livelihoods.
We are also concerned about regional implications of the situation in Darfur, and the risk of fighting spilling into Chad. We welcome the Government of Chad's role in the resumption of ceasefire talks, and hope that a ceasefire agreement will emerge soon.