Oral Statement: 32nd Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Sudan

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Claire Denman

Thank you, Madame President.

CSW welcomes the convening of this Special Session.

In June 2019 this Council failed to act following the violent lethal attack on peaceful prodemocracy protestors in Khartoum. Just over two years later, and less than one month after Sudan prematurely exited the Council’s agenda, the military component of the transitional government declared a state of emergency and detained civilian politicians. Unarmed protestors have been killed and, communications networks disconnected, hampering the monitoring of and accountability for the deteriorating human rights situation.

CSW has been informed of the targeting of known human rights defenders and organisers of resistance committees. Reports of attempted assassinations of individuals working for the civilian government are deeply alarming. Violations outside of the capital are of particular concern, with an increased presence of armed groups, military and intelligence officers in parts of South Kordofan, and rising arrests of activists in Kadugli and in Darfur.

CSW strongly condemns the coup. While efforts are undertaken by regional partners to restore a civilian transition, the Council must act and mandate a robust independent mechanism to complement the work of other regional and international institutions. A mechanism mandated to monitor, verify, and report on the human rights situation in the country with immediate effect is vital to prevent further violations, identify perpetrators and ensure accountability. Calls for such a mechanism are echoed by Sudanese civil society.

We reiterate the responsibility and mandate of this Council to the promotion, protection, respect and fulfilment of human rights, and the urgent need for clear, decisive action on the deteriorating situation in Sudan.

Thank you.