Ræða Ingibjargar Davísdóttur á fundi Mannréttindaráðs Sameinuðu Þjóðanna, 13 juni 2007

Human Rights Council, 5 session 11-18 June Geneva

Statement by Ingibjörg Davíðsdóttir

ICELAND

Report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts mandated by the Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/4/8.

Follow up decision of 13 December 2006 adopted by the Human Rights Council at its 4th special sission entitled “Situation of Human Rights in Darfur(S-4/101)”.

Geneva 13 June 2007

Mr. President,

I would start by thanking the group of special rapporteurs for their excellent work.

As regards Darfur and the report of the group of experts, Iceland shares the view already expressed by the EU, that the people of Darfur do not need new human rights recommendations – but implementation of existing recommendations.

As we consider the report before us, unfortunately the violence in Darfur continues. Iceland remains concerned about the ongoing human rights violations and violations og humanitarian law in Darfur.

Mr. President,

Alarming news of sexual violence against women and children are highly disturbing and we note that the Government of Sudan has the prime responsibility for protecting its citizens. Our deliberations here must be conducive to changing the situation on the ground and human rights violators must be held accountable for their actions.

Iceland fully supports the work of the expert group and the concrete measures it has outlined for improving the situation in Darfur. We would like to see the mandate of the expert group be extended.

Mr. President,

We are encouraged that representatives of the Sudanese government met with the expert group here in Geneva. Iceland urges the government of Sudan to intensify its cooperation with the expert group, the Human Rights Council and the international community as a whole – towards achieving improved situation on the ground in Darfur.

The Council must remain seized of the matter.

Thank you Mr. President.