HRC45: Oral statement during ID with Independent Expert on Sudan

Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the IE on Sudan

Organisation:Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Mohamed Ahmed

Thank you, Madame President.

CSW thanks the Independent Expert for his work and final report. As the OHCHR picks up the mantel, we urge this Council to fully support it in its responsibilities, including through continued monitoring and reporting. Maintaining human rights oversight and international accountability alongside technical support is critical to ensuring Sudan’s future.

We remain concerned by the power and influence of the Rapid Support Forces. Also, the intelligence services continue to conduct arrests and detentions in several states, leading to torture and enforced disappearances.

We urge Sudan to safeguard civil society from harassment, arbitrary detention or enforced disappearance. We also urge Sudan to establish a National Assembly, guaranteeing representation for women, minorities, and all religions and beliefs.

While the creation of the National Commission for Religious Freedom and legislative amendments impacting FoRB are important steps forward, CSW is concerned that courts do not consistently implement change. In Khartoum two Christian women were penalised for selling alcohol. Continued threats against church leaders and attacks on churches are also of great concern.

Societal antipathy continues. A Darfuri man was recently flogged 80 times by his family and villagers for atheism. Authorities are yet to investigate.

Accountability for past violations is key to the success of the Transitional Government, including thorough independent investigations and a standing invitation to Special Procedures.

Mr Nononsi, what parting advice do you have for the international community regarding how future human rights protection gaps be prevent?

Thank you.