Mr President,
Norway welcomes the update by the High Commissioner on her recent visits to Haiti and Occupied Palestinian Territories as well as on some key situations requiring attention by the Human Rights Council. We particularly appreciate that the update addresses the most recent developments on the ground. This is in our view key considering the obligation of this body to address these situations timely and effectively.
We thank the High Commissioner for her update on developments in Darfur. We also note with interest the proposal by the Secretary General to hold a special session on Darfur in the Human Rights Council.
Norway is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Darfur both with regard to security for the civilian population as well as to humanitarian assistance and protection of people in need. We share the High Commissioners concern regarding the international element of the conflict, in particular the spill-over into eastern Chad. We would also express our concern that the Darfur-crisis, if not effectively addressed, could seriously affect the vulnerable situation in other parts of Sudan.
We thank the High Commissioner for her regular official reports on the HR situation in Darfur. We appreciate that the reports of the High Commissioner are based on a wide range of sources, including the strong field presence of her office. These reports, together with the monthly reporting by the Secretary General to the UN Security Council, the regular reporting by the AU Mission in Darfur and extensive reports from our foreign service missions in Khartoum and Addis Abeba, constitute, along with other sources, the basis for our assessment of the situation.
Norway has supported and been closely involved in peace talks in Sudan for several years, including the Ndjamena process on Darfur in 2004 and the Abuja process. We have further been strong supporters, both politically and financially, of the AU-lead in Darfur, since the AU took this responsibility in May 2004.
It is clear that it was the deep concern regarding the continued negative developments in Darfur that led to the Addis Abeba agreement on 16. November. The Addis Abeba agreement is a key measure to improve the situation in Darfur with regard to security as well as to humanitarian assistance and protection of people in need and human rights. We therefore urge all parties to ensure a speedy implementation of the Addis Abeba agreement.
Finally Mr President,
We encourage the High Commissioner to present her official HR-reports on Darfur to the Human Rights Council on a regular basis.