Item 10: General Debate

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you, Madame President,

Since its creation in 2006, the Human Rights Council has adopted at least one resolution annually on Sudan, most recently under Agenda Item 10.

Supporting country specific human rights situations through technical assistance and capacity building is an important part of the HRC’s mandate. This session, the intentional support offered to Sudan comes to an end.

While CSW recognises the progress made by the transitional government, we remain greatly concerned about the fragile nature of the political transition and the factions rapidly appearing between the many parties involved in the transition process and the growing influence and power of the military elements.

We regret Sudan’s decision not to extend the mandate of the resolution for an additional year. The UN Human Rights Council remains the body uniquely positioned within the UN system to support the civilian-led transition. The progress made must be more than a smoke and mirror exercise. Fundamental legal and institutional reforms must lead to the systemic change that ensures and safeguards democratic gains for Sudan’s citizens.

We urge Sudan to adopt a holistic human rights based approach to the transition while working to facilitating the growth of a healthy, genuine, and independent civil society in Sudan.

We are encouraged by the positive engagement the transitional government has sought and maintained with the High Commissioner for Human Rights and urge Sudan to maintain its support for the OHCHR in-country and to additionally offer a standing invitation to UN Special Procedures.  

Thank you.