Baroness Cox receives answers to her Written Questions to the British Government regarding recent developments in Sudan

Baroness Cox has received answers from the Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding her two written questions concerning recent developments in Sudan:

Question 1:
Baroness Cox, Crossbench

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to make representations at the UN Security Council for renewing the mandate for UNAMID to remain in Darfur, and for enhancing its capacity for civilian protection.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns, Conservative 

The UK led recent Security Council negotiations on the renewal of the UN–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)’s mandate. We are pleased that the mandate was renewed with a unanimous vote on 29 June. In the resolution, the Security Council emphasised that the Mission must continue to focus on its strategic priorities, including Protection of Civilians. After the vote, the UK Permanent Representative to the UN, Matthew Rycroft, made an Explanation of Vote statement that is attached to this answer.

Question 2:

Baroness Cox, Crossbench

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what changes there will be in the United Kingdom’s relationship with the government of Sudan following elections judged by the Troika as unrepresentative of the will of the Sudanese people.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns, Conservative

Together with troika partners, the British Government has been clear in its assessment that Sudan’s recent elections cannot be considered a credible expression of the will of the Sudanese people. We remain committed to supporting those Sudanese people who wish to peacefully advance a comprehensive and legitimate political process towards ending the conflicts and towards long-term stability in Sudan. To this end, we will continue to engage with the Government of Sudan, not least to raise our concerns around the ongoing conflicts and their impact, as well as migration and human rights, among other issues.