Sudan (Hansard, 23 November 1999)

§ Mrs. Gillan
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Sudanese Government concerning human rights abuses in the Sudan. [99429]

§ Mr. Hain
We regularly make representations to the Government of Sudan both on human rights concerns in general and on individual cases; bilaterally and through the EU. For example, human rights issues were one of the key areas of discussion when the EU resumed a political dialogue with the Government of Sudan on 10 November.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Wunlit Peace Accords signed in March 1999 in southern Sudan. [99240]

§ Mr. Hain
We have kept in regular touch with the New Sudan Council of Churches, the co-ordinators of the Wunlit Conference, and others involved. Our understanding is that the Conference had considerable success in tackling a number of Nuer/Dinka conflicts and that concrete change is now evident on the ground. This is welcome news.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to his(a) European and (b) American counterparts concerning the peace process in Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [99241]

§ Mr. Hain
We continue to give priority to peace work in the Sudan. We have been active members of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF) and helped put together the proposal for a permanent Secretariat in Nairobi which is now operational. We have pledged a financial contribution to the Secretariat and will continue to give the peace process political backing working with many colleagues including the EU and US.