HRC53: Oral Statement on the situation of human rights in Sudan

Item 2:EID on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Sudan

Organisation:Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Claire Denman

Thank you, Mr President.

CSW thanks the High Commissioner, Designated Expert and panellists.

We welcome the continuing scrutiny and urge this Council to remain engaged.

We reiterate our call for an investigative mechanism to collect, consolidate, analyse and preserve documentation and evidence of violations. Ending cycles of impunity by holding identified individuals and entities to account will require a level of investigation that meets the threshold for accountability, reparations and justice, and the enabling of broad civilian participation in peace initiatives.

CSW is particularly concerned by recent FoRB violations, including against places of worship, and allegations of forcible conversion of Christians by the RSF. We reiterate the importance of naming identified perpetrators of egregious violations. Describing them merely as “armed men” will not assist deterrence or facilitate accountability.

The situation in the West Darfur region, which is witnessing intensified violence amid an extended communications blackout in the capital, is deeply alarming, and has taken on an ethnic coloration reminiscent of the earlier period characterised by atrocity crimes.

Following the evacuation of foreign nationals the need for enhanced monitoring, including of the plight of women and girls amid rising conflict related sexual violence, refugees, religious minorities, and other vulnerable groups, cannot be overstated. Perpetrators of violations targeting civilians or civilian objects must be left in no doubt they will be held accountable.

Thank you.