Rights Panel Rejects Darfur Resolution (AP)

Rights Panel Rejects Darfur Resolution


Tuesday November 28, 2006 11:46 PM

AP Photo ENA109

By ALEXANDER G. HIGGINS

Associated Press Writer

GENEVA (AP) - The U.N. Human Rights Council rejected on Tuesday an attempt
to hold the Sudanese government responsible for halting atrocities in Darfur,
opting instead for a less-pointed resolution calling on all warring parties
to end abuses.

The council, which took over from the discredited U.N. Human Rights Commission
June, is dominated by African and Muslim countries that have sided with China,
Cuba and other countries in preventing criticism of any government but Israel.

The council voted 22-20 against a resolution from the European Union and Canada
demanding the Sudanese government prosecute those responsible for killing, raping
and injuring civilians in the Darfur region of western Sudan.

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After rejecting the EU-Canada resolution, the council then voted 25-11 with 10
abstentions to approve the African group's resolution.

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Annan criticises UN rights body, wants Darfur move
29 Nov 2006 11:26:13 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Richard Waddington

GENEVA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Wednesday
the United Nations' new human rights body risked becoming deadlocked by the
same political manoeuvring that sunk its discredited predecessor.

In a statement to the third session of the Human Rights Council, Annan urged
member countries that are "truly determined to uphold human rights" to stand
out against violations wherever they occur even if they risked angering
regional allies.

"Only by showing such courage and rigour can you avoid disappointing the many
people around the world who look to the U.N. for support in their struggle
for human rights," Annan said.

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