UN Welcoming Commitments in Sudan’s ‘Framework Agreement’

Radhouane Nouicer during his press conference in Khartoum on Thursday. (SUNA)
Radhouane Nouicer during his press conference in Khartoum on Thursday. (SUNA)
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UN Welcoming Commitments in Sudan’s ‘Framework Agreement’

Radhouane Nouicer during his press conference in Khartoum on Thursday. (SUNA)
Radhouane Nouicer during his press conference in Khartoum on Thursday. (SUNA)

Radhouane Nouicer, expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, has welcomed commitments on the human rights contained in the political framework agreement signed between the political forces and the military component.

He expressed hope that this helps “set a roadmap to settle the outstanding issues with a broad participation to achieve freedom, peace, justice and the formation of a civil government."

The expert also welcomed the resumption of legal and institutional reforms with the participation of the largest number of Sudanese citizens in the coming government.

Nouicer said during a press conference in Khartoum that the Human Rights Commission should have pivotal matters in the program of the next government.

He pointed to his visit to Khartoum and West Darfur and to the “huge challenges facing Sudan,” and the issues of displacement and refugees.

“The refugees hope to return to their homes”, he stated, adding that in order to achieve this, security and political stability must be achieved and the full reasons behind their displacement and the conflicts that occurred in general must be resolved.

"During the meetings we held with civil society representatives, their message was to demand accountability for those responsible for human rights violations," he said.

He stressed that accountability and transitional justice issues require credible practical mechanisms that address crimes to represent a new legal structure that prevents the spread of crimes.

Nouicer extended thanks to the authorities in Sudan for their cooperation, facilitation of the mission, and their support for his visit and the frank and constructive discussion on human rights issues in Sudan.

The human rights expert met with the civil society authorities and with many victims of human rights violations in the states of Khartoum and West Darfur.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.