Oral Statement: 36th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan

Thank you, Mr President.

Military leaders continue to systematically undermine the prospects of a transition to an inclusive Sudan, as civilians bear the brunt of their actions.

This Council must stand resolutely with the Sudanese people in calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, and emphasising that attacks on civilians, including human rights defenders, medical personnel, humanitarian workers and refugees, and the targeting of hospitals and places of worship severely violate international human rights and humanitarian law, may constitute war crimes, and will not go unpunished.

Concerningly, on 17 April the Anglican Cathedral in Khartoum was seized as a military base by suspected RSF fighters, who forced 42 people sheltering there, including the Archbishop and his family, to leave the building after physically assaulting some of them. In Bahri, Khartoum North, the Evangelical Church was bombed and partially burned.

We urge this Council to reiterate the inviolability of religious, cultural and medical locations, to enhance and maintain close scrutiny of the situation of Sudanese citizens, refugees and other vulnerable groups in the aftermath of the evacuation of foreign nationals, and to ensure perpetrators targeting civilians or civilian objects are made aware they will be held accountable.

Finally, restoring stability at the expense of justice and accountability, and without significant civilian involvement in the peace process, will prove unsustainable. Additionally, a long-haul commitment by this Council to supporting the promotion, protection, and fulfilment of human rights, will prove crucial in securing a just and lasting peace.

Thank you.

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