HRC47: Oral Statement during ID with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of assembly and association

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of assembly and association

Organisation:Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Ellis Heasley

Thank you, Madame President,

CSW welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur, and thanks him for his continued work.

CSW believes that the Sovereignty Council of Sudan should be reminded of the Rapporteur’s assertion that states have the responsibility to combat impunity for the countless threats and attacks, including killings, made against members of associations and against protesters.

As was widely reported at the time, on 3 June 2019 government forces, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an attack on sit-in sites in Khartoum. The attack came after months of widespread and violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters, and crucially took place on the alleged orders of RSF General Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo, who remains one of the most powerful people in the country.

There remains a pressing need to ensure that justice is served for this attack and others targeting individuals exercising their right to freedom of assembly and association.

CSW is further concerned by the continued destruction of Christian places of worship and interference in church affairs, which continue with impunity. As the Rapporteur points out, where access to justice is not ensured, citizens are not truly free to exercise fundamental human rights.

We call on Sudan to conduct detailed investigations into the human rights violations committed during the nationwide demonstrations in 2019 and into attacks on churches and places of worship, holding perpetrators to account and ensuring that vulnerable communities are protected.

We also urge Member States to bear in mind that Sudan still has a long way to go before the fundamental rights of all citizens are fully upheld. Therefore a mandate to monitor and review the situation of human rights in Sudan by the Human Rights Council remains essential.

Thank you.