Statement of the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator on arrest of MSF Director for Sudan

Statement by Jan Egeland, Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs
"I am very concerned about the arrest of Paul Foreman, country director of MSF-Holland, in Khartoum earlier today. It appears that the charges being made against Mr. Foreman, who has been released on bail, are related to a report on rape and sexual violence in Darfur that was published by MSF in March.

I urge the Sudanese authorities to drop all charges against Mr. Foreman immediately. MSF-Holland is a crucial partner in our relief effort in Darfur. Their work in treating victims of rape and sexual violence, and speaking out about the terrible crimes being committed has been exemplary.

It is an incontestable fact that rape and sexual violence are rampant in the ongoing crisis in Darfur. The Sudanese Government, the UN and international NGOs only recently made substantial progress in addressing this issue, efforts that must continue to ensure that all victims of sexual violence receive assistance and protection."