April 2, 2003
Secretary-General Kofi Annan
United Nations
Secretary General
United Nations
New York, New
York 10017
Dear
Secretary-General Annan,
I am deeply
distressed that the United Nations Human Rights Commission is
considering upgrading Sudan’s human rights status from an Item 9 to
Item 19 category, which would in effect let Sudan off the hook for
its ongoing genocide. This resolution sends a strong message to the
Sudan government that the international community condones its
continuing genocide. The move from Item 9 to 19 would remove the
U.N. Rapporteur for Sudan, freeing the regime from useful scrutiny,
and also make Sudan eligible for new U.N. financial support.
This change in
status is entirely unwarranted by the realities in Sudan, where the
human rights abuses are and have been as serious as ever. It would
reward Sudan for genocide at a critical moment in the peace
negotiations between the parties.
You should also
be advised that a U.N. Human Rights Commission’s upgrade could have
a devastating impact on the already strained relationship between
the United States and United Nations. I urge you to use your
influence to pressure European Union members not to introduce this
resolution.
I will continue
to ask the intercession of Saint Josephine Bakhita for her people in
Sudan, and those struggling throughout the world.
Sincerely,
Rev. Fr. James
E. Goode, OFM, Ph.D.
President,
National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life
Pastoral
Director, Solid Ground Franciscan Ministry
CC:
EU Secretary
General Javier Solana
French Embassy
U. S. Secretary
of State Colin Powell
