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Sudan

Sudan: Darfur - Investigate deaths at Kalma Camp

Government Should Open Camp to Aid Groups

Early on August 25, 2008, Sudanese police and national security forces conducted what they described as a weapons search and seizure operation at the Kalma displaced persons camp in South Darfur. During the operation, more than 30 persons were killed and scores more injured, the majority women and children. As yet, the circumstances of the deaths are unclear. Since the incident, the Sudanese government has allowed humanitarian agencies only limited access to the camp.

Human Rights Watch called on the government of Sudan to urgently allow humanitarian agencies access to the camp, where injured people are still awaiting assistance. It also called on both the government of Sudan and the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) to conduct separate, thorough, and impartial investigations into the incident.

"The killing of so many civilians at Kalma camp, one of the largest and least secure of Darfur's camps, is shocking. The government should immediately allow in aid workers to assist the survivors," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Both Sudan and UNAMID should investigate the incident thoroughly, and the Sudanese government should hold accountable all those who used force unlawfully."

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