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UN welcomes pardon of Sudanese journalists for reporting on rape

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Summary of story from UN news centre, September 2, 2011

The UN’s Special Representative On Sexual Violence in Conflict has welcomed a presidential pardon granted by the Sudanese authorities last week to local journalists prosecuted for reporting on cases of alleged rape.

“It is an important signal of respect for freedom of expression by the Sudanese Government”, she said of the pardon issued last Saturday,

“The journalists working to break the silence about acts of alleged rape should be seen as allies and partners.

“Our common enemy is the conspiracy of silence that too often surrounds this crime. I reiterate that rapists – not reporters – must face criminal charges in the Sudan.”

Ms Wallström said that there should now be more debate about subjects such as sexual violence which had previously been considered taboo in Sudan.

She said that her office looks forward to working closely with the Sudanese authorities to deepen reporting and analysis of sexual violence in the North African country to encourage ‘meaningful action’ that will benefit the lives of millions of Sudanese women.

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