Statement by Ambassador Raza Bashir Tarar, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan during the Security Council Briefing on
Sudan (ICC)(5 June 2012)
Mr. President,
On behalf of the Pakistan delegation, I would like to congratulate you on China's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for June. Let me also express our appreciation for the able manner in which Azerbaijan led the Council's work last month.
- We would like to acknowledge the presence of the ICC Prosecutor, Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo in the Council today. We take note of his briefing as well as his fifteenth report submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1593 (2005). Objectivity, not politicization should guide these reports and briefings.
- Let me state at the outset that Pakistan is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), being among the eight non-signatories to the Rome Statute in the Security Council, including three permanent and five non-permanent members. However, we acknowledge the rights and obligations of the State Parties to the ICC.
Mr. President,
- Sudan is an important country in the African continent. Durable peace and stability in Sudan is not only a desire of the Sudanese people, but also an imperative for regional peace and security. Achieving this objective requires serious and genuine support and understanding of the international community.
- The situation in Darfur, Sudan, in particular the unfortunate suffering of the people, has been a matter of concern for several years now. We must do more to help resolve this complex problem in a holistic manner and to bring an end to the pain and agony of the population.
- Addressing the situation in Darfur is also integral to the efforts for a comprehensive peace in Sudan, an objective that Pakistan supports. The international community and this Council have recognized that comprehensive peace entails progress on multiple tracks, notably a political process aimed at promoting a peaceful solution through dialogue, justice and reconciliation; efforts to improve security; and addressing the human rights and humanitarian aspects.
- It is in this regard that we reiterate our support for the efforts of the United Nations, as well as the African Union, particularly its High level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), towards achieving peace, stability, justice and reconciliation in Darfur. We believe that search for justice in Darfur should be pursued in a way that does not impede or jeopardize efforts aimed at promoting lasting peace in the region. In this context, the positions of the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States (LAS) and Organization of Islamic Cooperation should also be duly considered.
Mr. President,
- Pakistan firmly believes in obligation of all states to guarantee and protect right to life of all their citizens. Having the primary responsibility, the Government of the Sudan must take all measures to investigate human rights violations in Darfur and bring to justice their perpetrators.
- We take note of the steps by the Government of Sudan towards the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), and welcome the establishment of the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) as well as the National Human Rights Commission.
- It is also imperative for all signatory parties to DDPD to implement their commitments under the Doha document for lasting peace and stability in Darfur.
- On its part, UNAMID has an important role for the maintenance of peace and security in Darfur, particularly the facilitation of the political process in Darfur. Pakistan underscores the need for full implementation of UNAMID’s mandate.
- Let me conclude by reiterating that the overall objective of the international community and this Council is the attainment of durable peace and stability in Sudan. We should harmonize and consolidate our efforts for the early achievement of this objective.
Thank you