UN chief condemns killings in Sudan's Darfur region
New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has deplored the killings of civilians in Kereneik locality, West Darfur, as well as the attacks on health facilities last Sunday and called for an immediate end to the violence.
A statement issued by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said the UN chief extended his deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
At least 168 people are reported to have been killed and more than 100 injured in the violence.
The Secretary-General underscored that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians in Darfur rested with the Government of Sudan.
"He takes note of efforts undertaken by the Sudanese authorities to address the situation, including a commitment to evacuate injured civilians and calls for the acceleration of the deployment of the joint security keeping forces as per the Juba Peace Agreement," the statement said.
Mr Guterres also stressed the importance of strengthening security in Darfur including through the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement, bolstering the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and fully implementing the national plan for the protection of civilians.
He called for unhindered humanitarian access and an independent investigation of this and other acts of intercommunal violence, to ensure those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Sudan, Volker Perthes, has also deplored the "heinous killings" of civilians in the locality, as well as the attacks on health facilities, and called for an immediate end to the violence.
In a statement, he extended his deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
-0- PANA MA 26April2022
