Hart Weekly Review: 20/11/2017

Questions in the House of Lords

Baroness Cox recently questioned the government about its work to tackle Bilateral Trade: Sudan.

Baroness Cox

Is the Minister aware that there are reliable reports of a build-up of Government of Sudan military forces in Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, causing great concern at the possibility of renewed military offences? What is the position of Her Majesty’s Government with regard to the promotion of trade in the context of renewed offences against civilians and violations of conditions for lifting of sanctions?

To read Baroness Cox’s response in full or to read the entire debate, click here

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NEWS:
Below is quick round-up of the latest news from the countries where our partners work.

Burma:

Aung San Suu Kyi Blames Illegal Immigration for the ‘Spread of Terrorism’ – Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi said the world is facing instability and conflict in part because illegal immigration spreads terrorism in a speech

Nigeria:

Improving peace and security for women in areas affected by Boko Haram: lessons from Nigeria’s Stability and Reconciliation Programme – Women and girls in Nigeria suffer sexual violence and exploitation at the hands of armed groups, vigilante and community self-help groups and the security forces.

Global Compact on Refugees – Thematic discussions four on solutions – More than 550,000 refugees made the arduous journey back to their countries of origin in 2016, mainly to countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict and unresolved displacement crises such as Afghanistan, Somalia, and Sudan.

South Sudan:

Murle leaders urged to resolve their political differences at reconciliation conference – Murle leaders participating in a historic reconciliation conference have been urged by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to resolve their political differences and work towards peace and development in the Jonglei region.

The current harvest season provides meagre respite to South Sudan hunger crisis as conflict persists – Read on about South Sudan Humanitarian Bulletin released on 17 November 2017

Sudan:

Sudan tightens border to stop weapons smuggling – During a Sunday meeting, Abdel-Rahman also called for the provision of the necessary facilities to license unregulated vehicles while progress on the implementation of the disarmament campaign was discussed.

Sudan’s President Bashir to visit Russia this week- Sudan President Omar al-Bashir is expected to visit Russia on Thursday, the Kremlin has said, in the first such visit for the long-time Sudanese leader.

Uganda:

Uganda completes 21-day mandatory cycle for Marburg – The health minister said Uganda has to complete another 21 days before it can be certain that the outbreak is completely under control.