UN Human Rights Council 57: Resolution on Sudan
L22 Resolution on Sudan. Statement delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.
Mr President,
On behalf of a core group consisting of Germany, Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom, I would like to present draft resolution L22.
Four years ago, this Council paid tribute to the exemplary, non-violent and inspiring popular uprising of the Sudanese people whose call for freedom, peace and justice, had brought about a fundamental change in Sudan’s political and human rights situation. The contrast to the situation in Sudan today could not be more stark. The senseless, brutal war that began last year has displaced over 10 million people.
The Council’s fact-finding mission has documented some of the appalling suffering which Sudan’s people have endured. Women raped and sexually abused. People executed because of their ethnicity. Children recruited as soldiers. Indiscriminate shelling in civilian areas.
More recent reporting of attacks by Rapid Support Forces in El Fasher and by the Sudanese Armed forces in greater Khartoum are horrifying. Airstrikes and shelling by both parties have killed many civilians and dozens of young men have reportedly been executed in the streets of Khartoum, for suspected affiliation with the RSF.
Mr President,
We would prefer not to have to present a resolution. But clearly – this situation warrants the Council’s attention. We need independent monitoring. We need to document these atrocities. The people of Sudan need accountability. It is only then that lasting peace can be achieved. The Fact-Finding Mission, the only independent mechanism focused on investigating the mass violations and abuses across the country, must be renewed. There is no other international mechanism doing this work and there is no feasible national alternative. Sudan’s ‘national committee’ is neither impartial, nor independent. And it is being used to silence those that criticise the authorities’ actions.
Mr President,
Our core group held consultations and consulted extensively with all delegations – including Sudan – on this draft. We took on board many of the suggestions made, including a number from Sudan. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, these changes were not enough for the Sudanese authorities.
Colleagues,
The situation in Sudan has been shamefully underreported. There is already too little information coming out of the country. The Sudanese authorities may not be in favour of this resolution, but the Sudanese people are. They want accountability. They want peace. They want their future back.
Let us show them today that they are not forgotten and that we are listening to them - by voting in favour of this resolution.