Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 January 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 January 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sudan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the African Union on the (a) enforcement of its mandate to protect civilians in Darfur and (b) the protection of mass graves and other forensic evidence to support the work of the International Criminal Court.

Answer: The UK and other international partners recently participated in a joint assessment mission with the African Union (AU). This concluded that the AU Mission in Sudan's (AMIS) current mandate is adequate but is not clearly understood by commanders at all levels. We will continue to press the AU to interpret its mandate flexibly and robustly in order provide the necessary degree of protection to civilians within its capabilities.We have regularly raised this issue of mass graves and other forensic evidence directly with the AU. We understand they are continuing their investigations into the alleged discoveries of mass graves. We also continue to urge the AU to work with and support the International Criminal Court.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40417; 441 c678W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Criminal investigation Civilians Forensic science International Criminal Court Protection Peacekeeping operations War crimes Sudan African Union Darfur
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk