HRC42: Oral statement on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

Agenda Item 10:Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you Mr President,

Since the Independent Expert’s address to the Council in September 2018, significant political developments have occurred in the Sudan. Protests demanding systematic reforms led to the ousting of former President al Bashir, and, after months of negotiations between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), the Constitutional Declaration allowed for the formation of a new government and the appointment of Ministers.

These changes present an opportunity for the newly formed government to bring an end to the conflicts in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan and to also implement much needed reforms of the political, legal and security sectors.

However, there remains an urgent and compelling need for an independent inquiry into every attack on protestors and civilians since December 2018 conducted in accordance with international standards of investigation.

The serious violations during these attacks include the targeting of hospitals and medical staff; the use of torture and other inhuman, degrading treatment; sexual and gender based violence and attempts by the state to limit information about events on the ground by shutting down internet and communications networks. Addressing the killings and attacks on protestors is a priority for the Sudanese people as initial steps towards challenging the impunity that has been endemic in the country for the last 30 years.

CSW also remains concerned by violations of freedom of religion or belief during the reporting period, including the torture, inhuman and degrading treatment of those exercising the right to change their religion or belief; state sanctioned judicial harassment of religious leaders; and interference with places of worship.

CSW highlights the case against leaders of the predominantly Nuban Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC) that aims to remove legal powers from legitimately elected church officials. The case was dismissed in August 2018; however, in July 2019 the appeal court ruled it should be reopened. CSW urges a review of this ruling, and for the government of Sudan to ensure that reforms to law, policy and practice comply with international standards of FoRB.

We further urge the UN Human Rights Council to support the reforms to remove the discrimination and marginalisation currently codified in law and policy. Women and youth must also be included in the reform process – especially those from historically marginalised communities.

During this transitional period, we call on the Council to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert to assess, verify and report on the situation of human rights with a view to making recommendations on technical assistance and capacity-building for addressing human rights in the country.

We welcome the government of Sudan’s support in the opening of a fully mandated office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR office) in the country and urge Sudan to cooperate fully with its establishment.

Thank you.