To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will bring forward proposals for a more proactive mandate for the United Nations Mission in Sudan at the meeting of the UN Security Council in April 2010. (316357)

We have consistently pressed for a proactive, robust approach by the UN Mission (UNMIS) in Sudan. My noble Friend Baroness Kinnock and the UK Special Representative for Sudan discussed these issues with the new UNMIS Special Representative of the Secretary General, Haile Menkerios, and UN officials at the African Union Summit on 27-28 January 2010. During Security Council consultations on 26 January 2010 we urged the Council to prioritise protection of civilians in the UNMIS mandate. This will remain a priority for the UK in the lead up to the mandate renewal in April.