EU Council Conclusions - Northern Uganda

Council conclusions on Northern Uganda, 2686th GENERAL AFFAIRS Council meeting, Brussels

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The Council affirms its concern at the continuation of the 19 year conflict in Northern Uganda and the serious humanitarian situation for the more than 1.4 million people still living in camps for internally displaced people.

2. The Council calls on the government of Uganda to ensure urgently that all of its citizens are protected and provided for. A recent upsurge in violent attacks in northern Uganda has led to the UN suspending its field missions. This is a matter of grave concern.

3. The EU stands ready to assist with the government of Uganda's efforts to re-settle the internally displaced people in their home areas, when the security situation allows, and to support efforts towards reconciliation. The Council calls on the government of Uganda to actively promote the economic and social development of Northern Uganda and the full integration of its people in Uganda's political process.

4. The Council welcomes repeated statements of the Sudanese Government of National Unity, and especially Vice-President Salva Kiir, that Sudan will actively assist in combating the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) on Sudanese territory.

5. The Council notes that the International Criminal Court (ICC) unsealed its first warrant on 13 October, for the arrest of five LRA commanders. The Council reiterates its strong support for the ICC and calls on all those involved to work to facilitate the arrest of the individuals subject to the warrant. The Council regards the issuing of the warrant by the ICC as a historic first step and reiterates its view that there should be no impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

6. The Council urges the government of Uganda to take exceptional measures, including a clear and active information campaign, to encourage all members of the LRA not indicted by the ICC or under national jurisdiction to seek amnesty, reconciliation and reintegration into their communities and to create the conditions to promote such returns. Account should be taken of the special needs of children that have been involved in armed conflict.

7. The EU continues to support and actively work for the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Northern Uganda, achievement of which would contribute greatly to the promotion of a lasting peace and security in the Great Lakes region. The EU therefore urges all parties to intensify their efforts to promote regional co-operation, security and stability, including through full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries within the Great Lakes Region."

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