§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current resolution adopted on Sudan by the UN Commission on Human Rights with special reference to slavery. [154908]
§ Mr. WilsonAt last year's UN Commission on Human Rights, the EU sponsored a resolution on Sudan which set out its concerns about violations of human rights. In particular, the resolution addressed the distressing problem of abduction of women and children, an issue which remains high on our agenda It called on the Government of Sudan to continue to co-operate with the Committee for the Eradication of Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWC), and to help facilitate the return of affected individuals.
The CEAWC is working in close co-operation with UNICEF and Save the Children Fund UK) and has so far facilitated the return of over 550 abductees.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent military activity around the oil concession areas of Sudan and the rate of civilian displacement and deaths in the last 12 months. [155146]
§ Mr. WilsonThere has been a great deal of forced displacement from the oil concession areas in south Sudan in the last year. We do not know how many civilian deaths there have been, but there have undoubtedly been many.
All parties to the conflict are to blame in some measure for this. The continued fighting does not help matters. That is why achieving a lasting ceasefire and finding a solution to the conflict remains a priority for this Government.