Sudan (Hansard, 31 March 2004)

§ Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the case of Razaz Abaker, sentenced to 100 lashes for alleged adultery in Sudan.[164029]

§ Mr. Mullin
Though we respect Muslims' views of Shar'ia law, we believe that the application of extreme corporal punishments is incompatible with international human rights law. In Razaz Abaker's case we are particularly concerned that there was no opportunity for appeal.
Such cases are raised on a regular basis with the Government of Sudan, both bilaterally and through the EU-Sudan dialogue.

§ Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) the United States, (b) Norway and (c) other EU countries on a peacekeeping force for Sudan. [164493]

§ Mr. Mullin
We are in close contact with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations about plans for a Peace Support Operation in Sudan. We have also discussed the matter with the United States, Norway and other EU member states.

§ Mr. Dawson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the comments made by Mukesh Kapila, the United Nations Humanitarian Co-ordinator for Sudan on the humanitarian and human rights situation in Darfur; [164780]
(2) what assessment he has made of the implications for international peace and security of the situation in Darfur, Western Sudan. [164826]

§ Mr. Mullin
We are very concerned about the humanitarian and human rights situation in Darfur. We are appealing to the parties to ensure the protection of the civilian population and to allow unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
We are also concerned about the implications of the situation in Darfur for international peace and security and are working hard to get the parties to stop fighting. The Government of Sudan and the opposition groups have now agreed to attend ceasefire talks in Chad. We hope that these talks will start shortly. This is an important first step in resolving the crisis in Darfur.