DATE=03/29/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-288136

TITLE=U-N / SUDAN RIGHTS (L ONLY)

BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN

DATELINE=GENEVA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In a report to the U-N Human Rights Commission in Geneva, a U-N special investigator says the human rights situation in Sudan remains grim. As Lisa Schlein reports from Geneva, the report on Sudan is among those that will be discussed during the six-week session of the human rights commission.

TEXT: The U-N special investigator, Gerhart Baum, says he is encouraged that a cease-fire agreement for the Nuba mountain region of Sudan seems to be holding. The region in southern Sudan has for years been the scene of fighting between rebels and government forces. Mr. Baum says the cease-fire has allowed relief agencies to deliver humanitarian aid and supplies. But the investigator, who made several fact-finding visits to the country, says he was able to find no tangible improvement in Sudan's human rights situation.

He says the government has kept a state of emergency in force that allows for arbitrary security measures, including keeping people in detention for six to nine months and forbidding them to have any contact with the outside world.

/// BAUM ACT ///

People remain subject to arbitrary interpretation, application of laws. While I noticed a decrease in the number of individual cases of arbitrary detention and torture, I was informed that individuals are sometimes subjected to more subtle and psychological forms of torture.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Baum also says freedom of the press is limited, and cases of discrimination against Christians by the Muslim-led government continue to be reported.

The investigator accuses the government and the rebels - known as Sudan People's Liberation Movement -- of seizing humanitarian assistance meant for civilians. As a consequence, he says the plight of civilians, especially those who are internally displaced, has worsened.

/// 2ND BAUM ACT ///

I continue to receive reports of forced recruitment and food aid diversion. As a result, the plight of civilians remains of serious concern and displacements have continued unabated.

/// END ACT ///

In a response to Mr. Baum's report, Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations, Ibrahim Mirghani Ibrahim, says his government reaffirms its respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. (Signed)

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