UK Statement on Sudan at the 25th Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Geneva, 2 - 13 May 2016
The UK delivers its statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Sudan, 4 May 2016.
The UPR takes place at the Palais des Nations, Geneva
Mr President,
The United Kingdom welcomes the acceptance of 121 recommendations by the Government of Sudan during the last round as well as the development of National Strategies for Human Rights and to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In light of the serious human rights situation we urge the government to press ahead with implementation and to engage fully with this round, including by permitting the travel and participation of civil society representatives, which is vital to the success of the Universal Periodic Review.
The single biggest threat to human rights in Sudan remains the ongoing conflicts in the Two Areas and Darfur, where the actions of both the Government and armed opposition groups lead to abuses and violations. We are particularly alarmed by the Government’s recent actions in response to armed opposition groups in Jebel Mara.
We also remain deeply concerned about the mandate and powers that the National Security Act of 2010 gives the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS). Accountability of security forces is imperative to ensure that the human rights are respected.
We therefore have two recommendations for the Government of Sudan:
-
Protect the human rights of civilians in Darfur and the Two Areas, including by ending the violence, ensuring accountability for deaths and incidents of sexual violence, granting humanitarian access, and allowing aid agencies and NGOs to implement human rights protection programmes.
-
Reform the National Security Act (2010) to ensure that it adheres to International standards, including by removing provisions that provide NISS officers with immunity from prosecution. Thank you Mr President.