Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, comments on Sudan and South Sudan at the United Nations in New York, New York on January 8, 2012. A text transcript can be found at http://usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/202589.htm

About the Author: Anne C. Richard serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration.

2012 was a challenging year for humanitarians trying to help displaced people around the world. The following summarizes some of the challenges addressed by the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) last year.

Inside Syria, 40,000 people have been killed and over two million are displaced. Over half a million people have fled to neighboring countries. The U.S. government (the State Department and USAID) is providing $210 million in humanitarian aid to the region, and this aid is reaching millions.

Last year, refugees fled violence and drought in Northern Mali and… more »

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
December 11, 2012

Ambassador Princeton Lyman, U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, travels to Juba, South Sudan today for a series of high-level meetings with government officials, members of civil society, and representatives of international organizations working in South Sudan.

Ambassador Lyman’s visit comes at a critical time in the delayed implementation of the historic agreements between Sudan and South Sudan signed on September 27. The Sudanese and South Sudanese people deserve swift and complete implementation of these agreements, as called for by the AU Peace and Security Council in its October 24 communiqué.

Special Envoy Lyman will engage South Sudan on the resolution of outstanding issues, such as the disputed area of Abyei, and the implementation of the crucial agreements, including the creation of the safe demilitarized border zone and the resumption of oil production between the two countries. Special Envoy Lyman will also underscore the United States’ commitment to supporting South Sudan’s economic development and growth as a full-fledged democracy that respects human rights and the rule of law.

Following his visit to South Sudan, Special Envoy Lyman will proceed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to attend the meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism being convened by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel Chairman Thabo Mbeki.

The White House recently announced that Ambassador Lyman will step down in the new year as U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan after two years of service, notably marked by helping to shepherd the creation of an independent South Sudan. Special Envoy Lyman will serve in his position until the President names a new envoy.

For further information, please contact Erin Rattazzi at RattazziEA@state.gov, 202-736-7043

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 2, 2012

Yesterday the President renewed the national emergency in Executive Order 13067, on the basis of which the United States has imposed economic sanctions with respect to Sudan since 1997. U.S. law requires that a decision be made regarding the renewal of the national emergency each year by the anniversary of the national emergency.

In recent years, Sudan has made progress in resolving a number of outstanding issues with South Sudan, which contributes significantly to the prospects for peace between the two countries. However, the ongoing conflict in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur continue to threaten regional stability, and the human rights and humanitarian crises there – including the lack of humanitarian access – are very serious. Outstanding issues with South Sudan, such as the final status of Abyei, also pose such a threat. Addressing these concerns is necessary for a peaceful Sudan and would enable the United States and Sudan to move towards a normalized relationship.

We will continue our dialogue with the Government of Sudan on the steps that are necessary to improve our bilateral relationship.

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, NY
September 27, 2012

We welcome the important agreements signed today between Sudan and South Sudan. The understandings reached on security, oil, financial, nationality and trade issues testify to courageous leadership on both sides and skilled diplomacy by President Thabo Mbeki and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel. Just a few months ago, Sudan and South Sudan were on the brink of war. Today’s agreements demonstrate the impact that strong, united action by the UN Security Council can have on some of the world’s most challenging situations. The Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2046, endorsing the AU Roadmap and setting forth clear obligations on both sides, helped to chart a path out of conflict.

If implemented swiftly and effectively, these agreements will bring enormous benefits to people in both Sudan and South Sudan, lay a foundation for resolution of the remaining issues, and promote lasting peace. The grave humanitarian crises in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile are unacceptable, and it is imperative that Sudan grant immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to help those in desperate need. We have seen before that the situation in the Two Areas and along the border can unravel efforts to chart a brighter future for both sides. All concerned must build on today’s historic step to fulfill the promise of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and resolve the final status of the disputed border area of Abyei.

Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
September 27, 2012

I applaud today’s agreements between Sudan and South Sudan on security, oil, financial, nationality, and trade issues. This is a critical step toward the peaceful resolution of the outstanding issues, as required by the African Union Peace and Security Council Roadmap and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2046, and toward fostering a new peace, greater stability and development, and new economic partnerships.

The leadership shown on both sides is an example of what is possible when people come together in good faith and choose a brighter future for their people. We hope that these agreements pave the way for resolution by the Government of Sudan of the conflict and the humanitarian needs in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur.

The leadership of President Thabo Mbeki and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel has enabled the parties to achieve these agreements. Their relentless efforts, coupled with the commitment of international partners, particularly the African Union, the chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations, have brought new hope to the people of Sudan and South Sudan.

It is a moment worth celebrating, but the success of the agreements will depend on the next steps. We call on the parties to maintain their commitments, live up to the serious responsibilities to which they have agreed, and immediately begin to implement these agreements. We also strongly urge the parties to agree on a sustainable process to resolve the final status of the disputed border area of Abyei. The United States supports the execution of all agreements reached today, and we stand with the Sudanese and South Sudanese people in pursuit of a lasting peace.

Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivers remarks on Sudan and South Sudan at the United Nations in New York, New York on September 7, 2012. [Go to http://video.state.gov for more video and text transcript.]

Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
August 17, 2012

On August 15, the Government of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service announced that it will release from custody all persons detained by it during political protests in June and July. The United States welcomes this announcement, and calls upon the Government of Sudan to respect its citizens’ rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. We hope that this can be the first step in a necessary process of dialogue and reconciliation between the Government of Sudan and advocates for peaceful, democratic reform.

In particular, we welcome the release of U.S. legal permanent resident Rudwan Dawod, whose case attracted significant attention across America. Earlier this week, we expressed our concern about Mr. Dawod’s case when he was detained after being released by a judge who had found him “not guilty” of the most serious charges leveled against him. We appreciate that the Government of Sudan complied with the decision by its court to release him.

Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 10, 2012

The United States remains deeply concerned with the harsh treatment peaceful protestors continue to face in Sudan. There are reports that tear gas, rubber bullets, baton beatings, arbitrary arrests, and even torture have been used against those protesting. All such charges should be immediately investigated. We call on the Government of Sudan to halt the violence and respect the universal rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens, including freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly. Sudan faces serious challenges that cannot be solved by suppressing dissenting views and forcibly disrupting peaceful demonstrations.

There are voices in Sudan that are calling for an end to the conflict in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile through political negotiations and for immediate humanitarian assistance. They call for lifting restrictions on the press and speech. They call for reaching mutually beneficial agreements with South Sudan and an end to confrontation between the two countries. They call for bringing all relevant parties in Darfur into the peace process and highlight the role that continuing impunity plays in forestalling a just and enduring peace for the people of Sudan. MORE.