Canada Condemns Continued Attacks Against Civilians in Sudan

OTTAWA, Canada, June 22, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada condemns in the strongest terms the extensive bombing of civilian areas in South Kordofan and Blue Nile by the Sudanese armed forces and the government's use of the Rapid Support Forces militia to target civilians throughout the country.

“We are also alarmed by recent reports of aerial bombings against humanitarian actors providing much-needed assistance, including the June 16 aerial attack on a hospital run by Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Such activities amount to serious violations of international law and may constitute war crimes.

“Canada welcomes the recent release of Sadig al-Mahdi, the Sudanese opposition leader, but continues to be concerned about the arrest of members of the political opposition and human rights activists, despite the Government of Sudan's professed commitment to a national dialogue process.

“Canada calls on the Government of Sudan to uphold its responsibilities to protect its citizens in all corners of Sudan, regardless of tribe, ethnicity or political affiliation, including through the provision of access to urgently needed humanitarian aid.”