Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioners oral update on the situation of human rights in the Sudan since the military takeover

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you, Mr President,

CSW welcomes this enhanced interactive dialogue.

We remain alarmed by events in Sudan since the coup on 25 October 2021.

The appointment of a caretaker government, which has been allowed to govern despite breaching the 2019 transitional agreements, endangers Sudan’s democratic transition.

CSW notes with concern the recent court decisions, civil service appointments and policy directions which actively undermine the progress previously made by the civilian-led transitional government.

For example, a court decision that was to authorise an agreement between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church was refused with no justification given.

Interference in the affairs of religious institutions has continued, and arrests of leaders from minority religious communities and demolitions of their places of worship are on the rise.

We condemn the interference with a place of worship in Gezira state and the detention and interrogation of religious leaders. We are also concerned by reports of a couple charged with adultery after one party changed their religion.

In addition, the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protestors, including youth, causing loss of life and inflicting life-changing injuries, must be addressed. Reports of arrests and attacks outside the capital Khartoum, including sexual violence against women and girls, are equally concerning.

The systematic rollback of rights requires a systematic approach which should include the regular review of Sudan by the Council and a focused international investigation on attacks on protestors, including the 3 June 2019 and September 2013 attacks.

We urge this Council to support the work of the Designated Expert and the High Commissioner and to take a long-term view of what support is required to protect human rights in Sudan.

Thank you.