Pakistan's Permanent Representative Ambassador Masood Khan also observed it is the primary responsibility of the Government of Sudan as well, to take all necessary measures to investigate human rights violations in Darfur and bring perpetrators to justice.

Ambassador Khan was speaking at a briefing of the International Criminal Court (ICC) report on Sudan.

Like several other members of this Council, Pakistan is also not a signatory to the statue of the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, Pakistan acknowledges the rights and obligations of the State Parties to the ICC.

The ambassador strongly condemned the destabilizing activities of armed rebel movements in Darfur and their attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers. He underlined the need for a thorough investigation of such attacks.

"The perpetrators should be brought to justice and sanctions should be imposed against all armed movements that continue to obstruct the peace process in Darfur and against those involved in the violations of international humanitarian and human rights law", the ambassador stressed.

Pakistan, he emphasized, supports a durable and peaceful resolution of the situation in Darfur through an inclusive political process, which respects and upholds the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan.

The people of Sudan will benefit from conditions of peace and stability in Darfur. Creation of such conditions is also vital for the security and stability of the entire region.

The ambassador said the aim of durable peace in Darfur could only be realized through a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy, which provide impetus to the political process; promote a peaceful solution through dialogue, justice and reconciliation; establish a friendly security situation; and address the human rights and humanitarian aspects of the conflict in Darfur.

Reiterating Pakistan's support for efforts by the United Nations, and the African Union, particularly its High-level Implementation Panel towards achieving peace, stability, justice and reconciliation in Darfur, Ambassador Khan said the role and positions of the regional organizations especially African Union, the League of Arab States; and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are important for pursuing justice in the Darfur region.