NationStates Jolt Archive

The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) confirms the arrest of its Head of Mission Paul Foreman, a British national, in Khartoum, Sudan. MSF's Head of Mission has been charged with crimes against the state. MSF is being accused of publishing false reports, undermining society in Sudan, and spying. MSF is outraged by the charges and rejects any notion that the report is false. Paul Foreman has been released on bail early this evening, but is not allowed to leave the country.

The charges relate to MSF's report "The Crushing Burden of Rape: Sexual Violence in Darfur" which was published on 8 March 2005. Faced with hundreds of women and girls seeking medical care following rape and sexual violence in Darfur, MSF wrote and published the report in order to raise awareness about the ongoing violence against women. It is noteworthy that the report does not accuse the government of Sudan.

MSF defends its right to speak about the humanitarian situation in Darfur and views these baseless charges as intimidation against the humanitarian community by the Government of Sudan. "As providers of medical assistance and as human beings we find it impossible to stay silent when we are witnessing these abuses – wherever they occur. MSF wants to make people and governments aware of these serious violations so that real action is taken to stop them," said Geoff Prescott, General Director of MSF in Amsterdam, Holland. "Everybody who has looked into the situation in Darfur, including the government of Sudan, has concluded that rape is a problem."

While distressed by this latest development, MSF remains extremely concerned about the continued level of violence and deplorable living conditions affecting the population in Darfur.

MSF has been working for more than 20 years in Sudan providing health care and emergency aid to millions of Sudanese civilians. MSF is the principle partner of the Sudanese Ministry of Health in the battle against the kala azar and has treated more than 60,000 Sudanese infected with the disease. In the last 12 months in Darfur alone, MSF has provided almost a million medical consultations and treated more than 50,000 children suffering from malnutrition. MSF is not only working in Darfur, but throughout the Sudan, bringing medical care to Sudanese afflicted by epidemics and conflict.

The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) expresses its outrage about the arrest of a second representative in Sudan this morning. Vincent Hoedt, a Dutch national and regional coordinator for MSF in Darfur, was arrested this morning in Nyala.

Yesterday, May 30, MSF's head of mission Paul Foreman was arrested in Khartoum and later released on bail. "These arrests are totally unacceptable," said Geoff Prescott, general director of MSF in Amsterdam, Holland. "The government is punishing humanitarian aid workers for doing their job for victims of the conflict in Darfur."

The Sudanese authorities accused MSF of crimes against the state, publishing false reports, spying and undermining Sudanese society. MSF demands that all charges are dropped.

"The arrest of two senior coordinators severely undermines our ability to provide humanitarian assistance. The people of Darfur, who have been through so much already, must not be allowed to suffer as a result of these actions," says Geoff Prescott.

MSF has been working for more than 20 years in Sudan providing health care and emergency aid to millions of Sudanese civilians. MSF is the principle partner of the Sudanese Ministry of Health in the battle against the Kala Azar and has treated more than 60,000 Sudanese infected.

MSF works in over 29 locations in Darfur with 180 expatriate and 3000 national staff. In the last 12 months in Darfur alone, MSF has provided almost a million medical consultations and treated more than 50,000 children suffering from malnutrition. MSF is not only working in Darfur, but throughout the Sudan, bringing medical care to Sudanese afflicted by epidemics and conflict.

Paul Foreman (45 years old) has worked for MSF since 2002. He has worked as head of mission for MSF in Congo-Brazzaville, Angola, and Iraq. Foreman is originally from Carlshalton, United Kingdom. Vincent Hoedt (35 years old) has worked for MSF since 1996 and was born in Rotterdam, Holland. Vincent Hoedt has worked for MSF in Colombia, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Zambia, Albania, and Nigeria. Vincent worked first as a logistician, later as project coordinator and head of mission for MSF.

Sources
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/pr/2005/05-30-2005.shtml
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/pr/2005/05-31-2005.shtml

This is really unacceptable. Something must be done.

**UPDATE**

The charges are being dropped. :) (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4600337.stm)

But the suffering in Darfur continues.

I'm sure the UN has a plan to resolve the situation right after the genocide is over.

EDIT: When I posted this story two days ago only Sinuhue cared enough to comment. People just don't give a crap about the attrocities in Sudan.

I'm sure the UN has a plan to resolve the situation right after the genocide is over.

EDIT: When I posted this story two days ago only Sinuhue cared enough to comment. People just don't give a crap about the attrocities in Sudan.

I'm more concerned with the exact reasons why the UN is taking so long to organize a response. Of course I don't blame the organization as a whole but I do blame the actions of the member nations. Especially those on the Security Council.

I'm more concerned with the exact reasons why the UN is taking so long to organize a response. Of course I don't blame the organization as a whole but I do blame the actions of the member nations. Especially those on the Security Council.
We all know why. Russia sells Sudan military hardware, China and France buy their oil. Three powerfull nations are shielding them from any UN intervention. Makes you wish the USA would act more unilaterally in it's battle for global democracy, don't it?

We all know why. Russia sells Sudan military hardware, China and France buy their oil. Three powerfull nations are shielding them from any UN intervention. Makes you wish the USA would act more unilaterally in it's battle for global democracy, don't it?

An ironic twist to be sure. Now, if we could only muster the troops to actually do something about this problem. I figure it would only take a couple tens of thousands of troops.

Have you heard the rhetoric out of Sundan's government? They're taunting the US and the other former colonial powers, talking big about "resisting crusader invasions" and the like.

Its a big problem, and its not like the US would go it alone if the entire UN decided to delay it; there is just no political will in the administration's Hawks for a battle in Africa. I'm not sure if they'd even push for additional military action in middle eastern nations, they've played their hand. They're spent for now.

We all know why. Russia sells Sudan military hardware, China and France buy their oil. Three powerfull nations are shielding them from any UN intervention. Makes you wish the USA would act more unilaterally in it's battle for global democracy, don't it?

And with no pretty statues to topple the US doesn't care...

Makes you wish Australia or Canada or Germany or some other country would act unilaterally, but they won't, when black people are being oppressed the world turns a blind eye.

An ironic twist to be sure. Now, if we could only muster the troops to actually do something about this problem. I figure it would only take a couple tens of thousands of troops.

Have you heard the rhetoric out of Sundan's government? They're taunting the US and the other former colonial powers, talking big about "resisting crusader invasions" and the like.

Its a big problem, and its not like the US would go it alone if the entire UN decided to delay it; there is just no political will in the administration's Hawks for a battle in Africa. I'm not sure if they'd even push for additional military action in middle eastern nations, they've played their hand. They're spent for now.
Too bad we don't just send in military advisors to train and arm the rebels in Darfur, and use some carrier based aircraft to destroy Sudan's airforce (includiong helicopters) and give the people of Darfur a fighting chance. As military operations go it would be cheap and low-risk.

And with no pretty statues to topple the US doesn't care...

Makes you wish Australia or Canada or Germany or some other country would act unilaterally, but they won't, when black people are being oppressed the world turns a blind eye.
The US should care. If we're serious about fighting a war on terror Sudan would be a valid target. They've been supporters of Osama bin Laden, and are still home to businesses that are partly owned by him. Sudan funds terroristm.

Too bad we don't just send in military advisors to train and arm the rebels in Darfur, and use some carrier based aircraft to destroy Sudan's airforce (includiong helicopters) and give the people of Darfur a fighting chance. As military operations go it would be cheap and low-risk.

True enough. There's just no push for it. We all know that the other powers that be are tied up in Sudan and won't risk alienating their business partner.

The US is too busy fighting two wars and most of our reserves have been on alert for a long time. We're capable of doing such a thing by ourselves, but in no shape to push hard for it and see it through to the end. The Military is tired and distracted, not a good time for opening a third front.

And with no pretty statues to topple the US doesn't care...

Makes you wish Australia or Canada or Germany or some other country would act unilaterally, but they won't, when black people are being oppressed the world turns a blind eye.
Germany: no way! We won't fight there; the Americans want to spread 'democracy', then they can do it themselves!

Australia: uh...we're tied up helping the Americans.

Canada: Our peacekeepers are too under equipped to fight. Hell, our severely under-funded military can't even defend it's own borders, how are we going to help those guys?

The US should care. If we're serious about fighting a war on terror Sudan would be a valid target. They've been supporters of Osama bin Laden, and are still home to businesses that are partly owned by him. Sudan funds terroristm.

I whole-heartedly agree, but that still isn't putting boots on the ground in Sudan.

I whole-heartedly agree, but that still isn't putting boots on the ground in Sudan.
Neither did the letter I wrote to my congressman. I got back a bullshit form letter that didn't even address my concerns.

Neither did the letter I wrote to my congressman. I got back a bullshit form letter that didn't even address my concerns.
And this is news...how?

Anyone else see the irony that Sudan & Zimbabwe are on the UN Human Rights Commission?

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/2/chrmem.htm

What it is: http://www.unhchr.ch/pdf/factsheet27.pdf

And this is news...how?
He usually is quite responsive when I write to him. This time I got bullshit back.

Anyone else see the irony that Sudan & Zimbabwe are on the UN Human Rights Commission?

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/2/chrmem.htm

What it is: http://www.unhchr.ch/pdf/factsheet27.pdf
Saudi Arabia too! That wacky UN, what crazy stunt will they try next?

All good points above. See, we should all be able to unite on this issue: left, right, American, European, etc, etc. We ALL think our various leaders and supposed betters are useless, cold-hearted wankers.

Saudi Arabia too! That wacky UN, what crazy stunt will they try next?

I'm betting on refusing to uphold resolutions against Iran and North Korea... :(

Sources
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/pr/2005/05-30-2005.shtml
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/pr/2005/05-31-2005.shtml

This is really unacceptable. Something must be done.

**UPDATE**

The charges are being dropped. :) (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4600337.stm)

But the suffering in Darfur continues.

I'm still waiting on the venerable, august, honorable, and enlightened "UN" to do something about this.

Of course, the US can't be allowed to do anything unilaterally.

I knew the situation in Darfur was bad, since people were fleeing... INTO CHAD!

http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/cd.html

If there every was a hopeless country, this is it. :(

Sources
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/pr/2005/05-30-2005.shtml
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/pr/2005/05-31-2005.shtml

This is really unacceptable. Something must be done.

**UPDATE**

The charges are being dropped. :) (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4600337.stm)

But the suffering in Darfur continues.

Its stories like that which serve to remind me of the existance of right and wrong in the world. When I hear that a government would rather arrest the head of an organization that brings free medical care to their state than deal with the rape that runs rampant in their country...Yeah, fuck it. We ARE better than alot of other people, we do have the moral superiority. To quote Maynard James Keenan, "I'm praying for rain..."

I'm more concerned with the exact reasons why the UN is taking so long to organize a response. Of course I don't blame the organization as a whole but I do blame the actions of the member nations. Especially those on the Security Council.

Blame the UN. They are slow to act because they are afraid of offending animals or stepping on a savage, failed culture. And before anyone cries racist, a culture that condones rape is savage and it's leaders are subhuman.

And with no pretty statues to topple the US doesn't care...

Makes you wish Australia or Canada or Germany or some other country would act unilaterally, but they won't, when black people are being oppressed the world turns a blind eye.

When human raights are being violated the world always turns a blind eye. Except the US, and even we pick and choose our battles. Its the big problem with international politics, everyone loves to talk about how the US interferes, but who do they call when they want a police action? To whom do they go with their hands out?

Its stories like that which serve to remind me of the existance of right and wrong in the world. When I hear that a government would rather arrest the head of an organization that brings free medical care to their state than deal with the rape that runs rampant in their country...Yeah, fuck it. We ARE better than alot of other people, we do have the moral superiority. To quote Maynard James Keenan, "I'm praying for rain..."
Reverend Maynard is a wise man. I just hope he stops wasting time with APC and goes back to Tool. [/HIJACK]

I whole-heartedly agree, but that still isn't putting boots on the ground in Sudan.

Boots on the ground are overrated. If you want to scare the leaders of rogue nations, all you have to do is pick the dictator you want to make an example of and drop a moab over his home while he sleeps. It has become obvious that we cannot earn their respect, I'll settle for their fear.

Reverend Maynard is a wise man. I just hope he stops wasting time with APC and goes back to Tool. [/HIJACK]

Eh, they're radically different projects. You can't expect someone to maintain the intensity and hatred that Maynard pours into Tool full time. APC is a chance for him to explore his other emotions. I like them both for different reasons. eMOTIVe was crap though.