HRC57: Oral statement during interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Sudan.

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Claire Denman

Thank you, Mr. President.

CSW welcomes the report of the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM).

Despite facing challenges in becoming operational, the FFM’s work in collecting, and preserving evidence of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict is invaluable. We strongly urge this Council to extend its mandate and ensure it is sufficiently staffed and resourced. The FFM’s work has captured important elements of violations since 15 April 2023, and an extension would allow the investigation of thematic areas where war crimes and crimes against humanity may be occurring, such as the targeting of individuals or groups due to their religion or belief, or attacks on places of worship.

We also urge the Council to request additional reporting by the High Commissioner, with the assistance of his Designated Expert, beyond the 58^th session.

We remain concerned by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and by targeted and indiscriminate attacks by both the SAF and the RSF on civilians.

The situation of women and girls is particularly troubling. The conflict has been described as one fought on their bodies, with a total absence of protection heightening the risk of sexual and gender-based violence occurring with impunity across the country.

We urge regional and international actors to take steps to protect women and girls, and to ensure they can access justice and every necessary assistance. This includes closing the protection gap created by the premature winding down of UNAMID and UNITAMS and formulating new ways of resourcing community groups to provide humanitarian assistance, including trauma and psychosocial therapies.

The conclusion and implementation of a monitored unconditional ceasefire is a key immediate step towards ending the suffering in Sudan and supporting efforts to address the dire humanitarian situation that has brought millions to the verge of starvation. but a ceasefire must be coupled with a democratic and inclusive transition that centres the voices of women, youth and historically marginalised communities.

Thank you.