PRESS RELEASE
(Japan-Sudan Human Rights Dialogue)

1. The Second Japan-Sudan Human Rights Dialogue was held in Tokyo on 4 February. The Sudanese side was headed by H.E. Ambassador Mubarak, Ambassador and Director in charge of Human Rights, Women and Children and the Japanese side was represented by Ambassador Makiya, Japan's Ambassador to Sudan, and Mr. Hiroyasu Izumi, Director of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. The session was the second round of the bilateral human rights talks, the first of which was held in July last year in Khartoum. The two sides candidly exchanged views on issues related to human rights and possible cooperations between the two countries in this field bilaterally and in U.N. fora. The two sides agreed that the third round of talks will be held in Khartoum in fall of this year. The dialogue was held in an amicable and constructive atmosphere, and the participants expressed satisfaction about the result of the dialogue. The Sudanese side briefed the recent development of the peace process in Sudan under the auspices of IGAD (Inter Governmental Authority on Development). The Japanese side welcomed the recent development in peace process in Sudan and expressed its expectation that the ongoing process will lead the comprehensive cease fire and peace accord which will contribute to the enhancement of human rights in the country.
3. The two sides also agreed that the Governments of Japan, Sudan, UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) and Sudanese NGOs will organize a symposium adressing the problem all forms of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) in Khartoum in June this year.
4. Ambassador Mubarak is also scheduled to meet relevant persons and exchange views during his stay in Japan.