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Sudan Accused of Using Chemical Weapons in Darfur

by VOA News

   Sudanese government forces have used what appears to be chemical
   weapons in remote regions of Darfur, according to a report released
   Thursday by Amnesty International.

   An investigation carried out by the international rights group cites
   "horrific evidence" that at least 30 likely chemical attacks have taken
   place, claiming the lives of between 200 and 250 people.

   "Many photos show young children covered in lesions and blisters. Some
   were unable to breathe and vomiting blood," said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty
   International's Director of Crisis Research.

   Two chemical weapons experts consulted for the investigation concluded
   that the evidence "strongly suggested exposure to vesicants, or blister
   agents," examples of which include types of mustard gas.

   The use of chemical weapons is a war crime. Amnesty International has
   called upon the U.N. to further investigate these allegations and put
   pressure on the government of Sudan to ensure peacekeepers and
   humanitarian agencies have access to Darfur.

   The group says it conducted more than 200 in-depth interviews with
   survivors for the report.

   Fighting between Sudan's government and Darfur rebel groups that began
   in 2003 recently surged again, mainly in the Jebel Marra area.

   The International Criminal Court in the Hague has charged Sudanese
   President Omar al-Bashir with war crimes and genocide, but he has
   denied the charges and avoided arrest.