UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the enhanced interactive dialogue on Sudan
The UK's Global Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivered the UK statement, strongly condemning the continued violence against peaceful protestors, as well as the sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for her update.
It is now four months since the military coup in October. The human rights situation in Sudan continues to worsen. We stand with the brave people of Sudan in their struggle to realise their democratic aspirations, and we strongly condemn the continued violence against peaceful protestors, as well as the sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls. This excessive force by the Sudanese security forces must stop, and there must be accountability for all human rights violations committed since the coup.
We also call for the immediate release of unlawfully detained civilians, and the opening of civic space for all Sudanese, including civil society actors, human rights defenders and journalists.
Finally, we urge all Sudanese parties to engage fully with the UN-facilitated talks to reach a solution that leads to the restoration of a civilian-led government. And we call upon the Sudanese authorities to continue cooperating with the Expert, to enable him to fulfil the mandate granted to him by this Council.
Madam High Commissioner,
What immediate steps should the Sudanese authorities take to help ensure the gains made in human rights over the past two years are not lost?