CANADA WELCOMES REPORT OF UN INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON DARFUR

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February 1, 2005 No. 22 Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement regarding the UN report on Darfur: “Canada welcomes the report of the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur. The report determined that the Government of Sudan and rebel groups in Darfur have committed serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. “The report found that the Government of Sudan, directly or through the militias under its control, has not pursued a policy of genocide in Darfur. However, the UN Commission has determined that equally serious crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity, have been committed. “The Government of Canada strongly supports the recommendation of the UN Commission’s report that the Security Council immediately refer the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC). It is vital to recognize that international crimes such as crimes against humanity and war crimes are no less serious than genocide, and that the perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable. “Canada is a strong supporter of the ICC and believes that it is the most appropriate international legal instrument to address the findings of this report and bring the perpetrators of these most heinous violations to justice. We continue to urge all parties to the peace negotiations to remain committed to this process and ensure respect for international human rights and humanitarian law.” The International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur was established by the United Nations Security Council on September 18, 2004, to investigate violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Darfur, to determine whether acts of genocide had taken place and to identify the perpetrators of such violations to bring them to justice. The investigation took place from October 2004 to January 2005, and the Commission submitted its report to the High Commissioner for Human Rights on January 25. The report was released to members of the Security Council on January 31 and made public on February 1. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca

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CANADA WELCOMES REPORT OF UN INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON DARFUR

News Release

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