Council Concludes Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Human Rights of Women and Girls in Afghanistan
The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Sudan, hearing the High Commissioner for Human Rights say that the reckless, senseless conflict in Sudan was taking place in a context of total impunity which had resulted in a human rights and humanitarian crisis that was unfolding at an alarming rate, on a devastating scale and with a complexity not seen before in the country.
Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that since the conflict erupted on 15 April, Sudan had been plunged into chaos. The people of Sudan were suffering, immeasurably. The reckless, senseless conflict was taking place in a context of total impunity. The streets of Khartoum and its surrounding cities El Geneina and El Obeid were stained with the blood of civilians. Millions were still in need of vital humanitarian assistance, which, in many places, had been all but impossible to deliver. Aggressive tactics had resulted in the deaths of at least 958 civilians since the fighting began, and the injury of 4,746, as of 12 June. The actual figures were undoubtedly much higher.
This was a human rights and humanitarian crisis that was unfolding at an alarming rate, on a devastating scale and with a complexity not seen before in Sudan, Mr. Türk said. More than one million people remained trapped in Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri. Densely populated residential areas were being bombarded. The Rapid Support Forces were forcing people from their homes and looting their possessions. They had also attacked, looted and occupied hospitals, assaulting health staff and leaving medical services on the verge of collapse. The suffering was compounded by dramatic shortages of food, water, cash, and electricity, with many on the brink of survival. There were credible reports of 18 incidents of sexual violence related to the conflict against at least 53 women and girls. Mr. Türk called on General Dagalo to ensure that these vile acts stopped immediately.
The High Commissioner welcomed the new 72-hour nationwide cease fire agreed on 17 June and urged the two parties to respect their commitments to halt the fighting and to allow the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the country. The new cease fire was a new opportunity to put an end to this sea of suffering. He also called on the authorities to conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, and independent investigations into all alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. To break the cycle of violence, impunity needed to end.
Hassan Hamid Hassan, Permanent Representative of Sudan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said two months and five days since the conflict had started, rebel forces were going to great lengths to breach international humanitarian laws and international human rights laws, occupying hospitals and health facilities. The systematic destruction and plundering of public facilities had continued, including utilities, museums, research centres and universities. United Nations entities were still speaking the same grainy language, referring to two warring parties. Statements from the United Nations, including the Council, were very timid. They were attempting to equate between the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Army and the Rapid Support Forces. Yet, if the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Army did not combat such a rebellion, what then was the role of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Army to preserve national security and sovereignty?
Mohamed Belaiche, Special Representative of the Chairperson and Head of the African Union Liaison Office in Sudan, said the situation in Sudan was marked by clashes between two military entities resulting in a tragic humanitarian situation, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and a real threat to peace and security throughout the Horn of Africa region. The African Union, which had played the role of architect of the consensual transition in August 2019, firmly rejected the option of a military solution to this crisis, and advocated for a consensual political solution through an inclusive and transparent political dialogue. The African Union pledged its dedication to implementing its roadmap to peace in the region, and to cooperating with the efforts of the Council.
Enass Muzamel, Human rights defender from Sudan and co-founder of Mandaniya, said the war that raged in Sudan was not a civil war, but was between two factions, which only represented their own interests. The Sudanese people had nothing to do with this war, except to pay the price. The neighbourhoods of the capital were controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, who evicted people from their houses, and subjected women to cases of sexual violence. These crimes were carried out by young soldiers who were recruited and brainwashed, and who raped women in front of their families. There was virtually no health care, as the Rapid Security Forces had occupied a large number of hospitals. Meanwhile the army was hiding in their barracks.
In the discussion, speakers among other things, expressed concern about reports of ongoing and worsening human rights violations in Sudan, including sexual violence against women and girls, targeted attacks on specific ethnic groups and on civilian infrastructure including hospitals, indiscriminate aerial raids, enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment and use of children in armed conflict. Humanitarian organizations needed to have unrestricted access to the region to provide support to both Sudan and neighbouring countries receiving refugees fleeing the conflict. Many speakers welcomed the Treaty of Jeddah, led by Saudi Arabia and the United States, which was an important step towards dialogue and lasting peace. Some speakers expressed disappointment that the Council’s establishment of mechanisms to monitor the situation in Sudan had been adopted without the consent of the concerned country, and called for the relevant resolution to be lifted.
Speaking in the discussion on Sudan were Commissioner of Human Rights of Germany, Australia, Lithuania on behalf of a group of countries, European Union, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Oman on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Lebanon on behalf of a group of Arab States, Côte d’Ivoire on behalf of a group of African States, United States on behalf of a group of countries, United Kingdom on behalf of a group of countries, United States on behalf of a group of countries, Egypt, United States, United Nations Women, Qatar, Luxembourg, Belgium, Kuwait, Japan, Netherlands, Italy, France, Liechtenstein, Spain, Bahrain, Canada, Venezuela, Iraq, Malaysia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Malta, New Zealand, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Ireland, Türkiye, China, Switzerland, Libya, Niger, Senegal, Yemen, South Sudan, Mauritania, Jordan, Romania, Kenya, Montenegro, Ethiopia, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Tunisia, Iran, Ukraine, Morocco, Algeria, Eritrea, Chad and Uganda.
Also speaking were East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme, World Organisation against Torture, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Amnesty International, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, International Service for Human Rights, Interfaith International, and Stichting Global Human Rights Defence.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded its enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, which began .
In concluding remarks, Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, in response to a question on how the Office of the High Commissioner was interacting with the Taliban in Afghanistan, said all were trying to navigate the space on the ground, and expand the space for human rights’ promotion and advocacy. Individual cases were followed up by the Office with the de facto authorities and the Office visited places of detention, and issued reports on emerging issues.
Shaharzad Akbar, Executive Director of Rawadari, asked the Council to imagine Afghanistan 10 years from now, after education for women and girls was only religiously orientated and designed to radicalise. This was a security risk for Afghanistan, its neighbours and the world. The situation in Afghanistan was akin to gender apartheid. Member States needed to stand on the right side of history and not comply with gender apartheid.
Madina Mahboobi, human rights defender, said she was delighted to see strong support for women and girls in Afghanistan, who were continuing to struggle for dignity and respect. The international community needed to do more to support women and girls in Afghanistan. Investment for change needed to be driven by Afghans.
The Permanent Representative of Afghanistan gave his remaining time to Maryam Jami, human rights defender and women’s rights lecturer, who said that it was difficult to talk about the situation of Afghan women as there were no words in any language that appropriately described the pain of Afghan women. The women of Afghanistan were alive but not living.
Dorothy Estrada-Tanck, Chair of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, responding to a question on how to support women in Afghanistan, said there was a need to support organizations which could address structural issues affecting women, and work with the men in the communities to work against toxic masculinities.
Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Afghanistan, welcomed the expression of solidarity by members of the international community. However, this was not enough. Practical action was needed. It was important to engage, but not in ways which empowered the violators of human rights or legitimised those violations. The people of Afghanistan deserved the support of the Human Rights Council and needed prevention and protection.
The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found . All meeting summaries can be found . Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council’s fifty-third regular session can be found .
The Council will next meet on Tuesday, 20 June at 10 a.m. to hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.
Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan
The enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, with a focus on the human rights of women and girls, started in the morning meeting and a summary can be found .
Concluding Remarks
NADA AL-NASHIF, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, in response to a question on how the Office of the High Commissioner was interacting with the Taliban in Afghanistan, said all were trying to navigate the space on the ground, and expand the space for human rights’ promotion and advocacy. Individual cases were followed up by the Office with the de facto authorities and the Office visited places of detention, and issued reports on emerging issues. The Office maintained its independent but complementary role to the other mechanisms on Afghanistan created by the Council.
SHAHARZAD AKBAR, Executive Director of Rawadari, asked the Council to imagine Afghanistan 10 years from now, after education for women and girls was only religiously orientated and designed to radicalise. This was a security risk for Afghanistan, its neighbours and the world. There was nothing in the Islamic framework that banned women from education, or that banned people from criticising their rulers. The Taliban had created a situation of tyranny and the complete attack on civic space was linked to the Taliban’s agenda. The situation in Afghanistan was akin to gender apartheid. Member States needed to stand on the right side of history and not comply with gender apartheid.
MADINA MAHBOOBI, human rights defender, said she was delighted to see strong support for women and girls in Afghanistan, who were continuing to struggle for dignity and respect. The international community needed to do more to support women and girls in Afghanistan. Investment for change needed to be driven by Afghans. Isolation was not a solution. Meaningful collaboration between civil society and the international community was needed. She called for a meaningful and lasting solution to the current crisis.
The Permanent Representative of Afghanistan gave his remaining time to MARYAM JAMI, human rights defender and women’s rights lecturer, who said that it was difficult to talk about the situation of Afghan women as there were no words in any language that appropriately described the pain of Afghan women. The women of Afghanistan were alive but not living. Ms. Jami said thousands of women had been oppressed, and the whole world needed to do more for them. The pain of Afghan women was like the death of an entire civilisation.
DOROTHY ESTRADA-TANCK, Chair of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, responding to a question on how to support women in Afghanistan, said there was a need to support organizations which could address structural issues affecting women, and work with the men in the communities to work against toxic masculinities. All human rights of women and girls were part of all cultures; this was a universal standard which had been upheld by the women and girls in Afghanistan themselves. The Working Group had identified since 2018 the gender backlash against women’s and girls’ rights globally. Supporting the work of the Working Group and mandates which focused on these issues, and incorporated women’s and girls’ voices in their mandates, was contributing to constructing a culture of human rights. The women and girls of Afghanistan would not be forgotten.
RICHARD BENNETT, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Afghanistan, welcomed the expression of solidarity by members of the international community. However, this was not enough. Practical action was needed. Afghan women and girls needed to be front and centre. It was important to engage, but not in ways which empowered the violators of human rights or legitimised those violations. The discrimination faced by margnialised women needed to be recognised. It was important to look at the radicalisation of education and the potential security impacts of that which may go beyond the boundaries of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan deserved the support of the Human Rights Council and needed prevention and protection. Mr. Bennett supported this issue being discussed further at the next session.
Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Sudan, with the Assistance of the Designated Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Sudan
Report
The Council has before it the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Sudan ().
Statements by the Presenters
VOLKER TÜRK, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that since the conflict erupted on 15 April, Sudan had been plunged into chaos. The people of Sudan were suffering, immeasurably. Mr. Türk said that at the Council’s Special Session in May, he had called for the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to cease the hostilities. He was eager to speak to both parties. He had urged all States to help advance a resolution to this catastrophe. Yet efforts to pursue and sustain a cease fire had produced little to no success.
Reckless, senseless conflict was taking place in a context of total impunity. The streets of Khartoum and its surrounding cities El Geneina and El Obeid were stained with the blood of civilians. Millions were still in need of vital humanitarian assistance, which, in many places, had been all but impossible to deliver. Aggressive tactics had resulted in the deaths of at least 958 civilians since the fighting began, and the injury of 4,746, as of 12 June. The actual figures were undoubtedly much higher. More than one million people remain trapped in Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri. Densely populated residential areas were being bombarded. The Rapid Support Forces were forcing people from their homes and looting their possessions. They had also attacked, looted and occupied hospitals, assaulting health staff and leaving medical services on the verge of collapse. The suffering was compounded by dramatic shortages of food, water, cash, and electricity, with many on the brink of survival.
This was a crisis reverberating across an entire region. More than 2.1 million people had fled their homes, including 528,147 who had crossed into neighbouring countries. Refugees and internally displaced people faced abysmal conditions, walking for days in searing heat with very little access to food, water and shelter. In West Darfur, the violence had now exploded along ethnic lines. Just last week, the Governor of West Darfur was killed within hours of the Rapid Support Forces arresting him. At least 430 people were reportedly killed between 24 April and 13 May, most in El-Geneina, and likely more. Residents of El-Geneina had been cut off from vital services and supplies.
More than 150,000 people had fled West Darfur to Chad. Mr. Türk repeated his call for a humanitarian corridor between Chad and El-Geneina, and for safe passage for all civilians out of the conflict areas. In North Darfur, recent clashes had resulted in the killing of more than 100 civilians. In the first week of June alone, 41 people were killed in the town of Kutum. In Nyala, South Darfur, and Zalingei, Central Darfur, heavy fighting had erupted at various times since the start of the conflict. In both cities, most premises belonging to the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations had been looted.
This was a human rights and humanitarian crisis that was unfolding at an alarming rate, on a devastating scale and with a complexity not seen before in Sudan. Every day, children were bearing the harrowing consequences, with more than 13 million across the country in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian support, including 5.6 million in Darfur. At least 620,000 were reported to be suffering from acute malnutrition. The parties to the conflict needed to protect the organizations seeking to evacuate children and older people to a safer place where their needs could be met.
There were credible reports of 18 incidents of sexual violence related to the conflict against at least 53 women and girls. Mr. Türk called on General Dagalo to ensure that these vile acts stopped immediately. At least 394 people had been reported as disappeared from the Khartoum area alone, including 16 women and 12 children. He welcomed the recent release of two Sudanese doctors held incommunicado, and called for the immediate release of all civilian detainees. Human rights defenders, particularly women, were facing mounting threats, including death threats. Journalists and media professionals were also encountering threats and hate speech. Many had been arbitrarily arrested or held incommunicado.
The High Commissioner welcomed the new 72-hour nationwide cease fire agreed on 17 June and urged the two parties to respect their commitments to halt the fighting and to allow the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the country. The new cease fire was a new opportunity to put an end to this sea of suffering. He reminded the two parties of their obligations to respect international humanitarian and human rights law and to take all measures necessary to protect all civilians from harm. He also called on the authorities to conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, and independent investigations into all alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. To break the cycle of violence, impunity needed to end.
Mr. Türk called on all countries receiving refugees to keep their borders open, and on Member States to urgently scale up funding for humanitarian organizations that were desperately trying to assist the internally displaced and refugees. He welcomed the Council’s decision to strengthen the mandate of the designated Expert on Sudan to include detailed monitoring and documentation of the human rights situation, including violations arising directly from the current conflict. Millions of lives had been shattered and uprooted, and Sudan was now — again – engulfed by bleakness and bottomless grief. Ushering in a lasting peace demanded the utmost attention. The violence needed to stop, today.
HASSAN HAMID HASSAN, Permanent Representative of Sudan to the United Nations Office in Geneva, said Sudan had been against the special session of the Council on Sudan that took place earlier this year. Two months and five days since the conflict had started, rebel forces were going to great lengths to breach international humanitarian laws and international human rights laws, occupying hospitals and health facilities. The Government had sent three official memos to the World Health Organization, asserting that there were 39 hospitals and health facilities now occupied and turned into garrisons by rebel forces. The systematic destruction and plundering of public facilities had continued, including utilities, museums, research centres and universities.
After two months and five days, United Nations entities were still speaking the same grainy language, referring to two warring parties. The neighbourhoods of greater Khartoum were almost vacant and were under control of rebel forces. There were no clear messages from the international community against the rebel forces as they continued their breaches. The United Nations was still not calling a spade a spade. Statements from the United Nations, including the Council, were very timid. They were attempting to equate between the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Army and the Rapid Support Forces. Yet, if a national army did not combat such a rebellion, what then was the role of the national army to preserve national security and sovereignty?
There had been eight temporary cease fires signed, but the rebels had been breaking these agreements, as they knew the fingers would not be pointed at them, but would be pointed at the two parties. The murder of the Governor of Darfur was an atrocity. The statement from the Office of the High Commissioner on this was the first statement which assigned responsibility to the rebel forces, and this should be commended. Sexual violations in the country were increasing, alongside the invasion of homes and looting. The perpetrators were documenting their atrocities on social media, while some United Nations entities were hiding behind grey language, instead of calling out the rebel forces to stop their behaviour.
MOHAMED BELAICHE, Special Representative of the Chairperson and Head of the African Union Liaison Office in Sudan, said this dialogue was a demonstration of support for Sudan. The situation in Sudan was marked by clashes between two military entities resulting in a tragic humanitarian situation, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and a real threat to peace and security throughout the Horn of Africa region. The African Union, which had played the role of architect of the consensual transition in August 2019, firmly rejected the option of a military solution to this crisis, and advocated for a consensual political solution through an inclusive and transparent political dialogue.
An expanded African Union mechanism, encompassing international partners interested in the situation in Sudan, was set up for this purpose. An African Union Roadmap, including a de-escalation plan, the opening of humanitarian corridors and an inclusive national dialogue, was unanimously endorsed by the mechanism. In the same spirit, the African Union fully supported the mediation led by Saudi Arabia and the United States for a humanitarian cease fire and a cessation of hostilities to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.
The Council needed to provide itself with the means to conduct an investigation into reports of human rights violations to ensure that the perpetrators of these violations were brought to justice. The African Union called for the strengthening of international solidarity for the establishment of peace in Sudan, and for a democratic transition leading to free elections. This would prevent this crisis from turning into a civil war. The African Union pledged its dedication to implementing its roadmap to peace in the region, and to cooperating with the efforts of the Council.
ENASS MUZAMEL, Human rights defender from Sudan and co-founder of Mandaniya, said the war that raged in Sudan was not a civil war, but was between two factions, which only represented their own interests. The Sudanese people had nothing to do with this war, except to pay the price. The Sudanese people had been standing up against the oppressive regime, and now this bitter experience was what they had got. The horrors and fears experienced by the people there were immense. The neighbourhoods of the capital were controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, who evicted people from their houses, and subjected women to cases of sexual violence. These crimes were carried out by young soldiers who were recruited and brainwashed, and who raped women in front of their families.
There was virtually no health care, as the Rapid Security Forces had occupied a large number of hospitals. Meanwhile the army was hiding in their barracks. Citizens lived in fear and hundreds of people had been killed by bombs. The streets were littered with corpses, and the stench penetrated homes. Inside homes, citizens were powerlessly awaiting their fate and struggling to survive. Hundreds had left the city, but many remained as they did not have the means to leave. The war was a result of generals who put their interests over those of their citizens. Ms. Muzamel called on the international community to apply the strongest pressure, including sanctions, on the war generals, to support the war, to support Sudanese activities, and to hold those accountable for their crimes against the Sudanese people.
Discussion
In the discussion, some speakers expressed concern about reports of ongoing and worsening human rights violations in Sudan, including sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, and large-scale attacks on specific ethnic groups and on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. There were also reports of enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, and use of children in armed conflict. Many speakers expressed their solidary with the people of Sudan, particularly women and children, who were caught up in the conflict. Humanitarian needs in Sudan were at an all-time high, with around half the population in need of humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity had increased, entire towns had been destroyed, and around two million people had been displaced.
A number of speakers said international human rights laws and international humanitarian laws needed to be respected. Some speakers called for the establishment of an international, independent mechanism to pursue accountability for human rights violations. Attacks on civilian infrastructure needed to cease immediately. Many speakers supported a peaceful, inclusive and stable democratic transition, which needed to be led by civilians. All parties to the conflict needed to engage in dialogue to secure lasting peace. Humanitarian organizations needed to have unrestricted access to the region to provide support to both Sudan and neighbouring countries receiving refugees fleeing the conflict. Neighbouring countries needed to open their borders to refugees fleeing the conflict.
Some speakers condemned the Sudanese Government’s decision to declare Volker Perthes, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan, as a “persona non-grata”. Speakers applauded the efforts of Sudan’s civil society to report on and combat human rights violations, and condemned alleged crack downs and attacks on journalists and human rights defenders. Many speakers welcomed the Treaty of Jeddah, led by Saudi Arabia and the United States, which was an important step towards dialogue and lasting peace.
Some speakers said the Sudanese Government had expressed its commitment to upholding human rights and had made progress towards democratisation. Sudanese people should lead the process of achieving peace in their country. The speakers expressed disappointment that the Council’s establishment of mechanisms to monitor the situation in Sudan had been adopted without the consent of the concerned country, and called for the relevant resolution to be lifted. Other countries should not interfere with Sudan’s internal situation, they said, calling for African solutions to African problems. Speakers expressed support for talks held within the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The Human Rights Council should prioritise technical assistance to support capacity building in Sudan.
Questions were asked on how the Human Rights Council could respond to the violence perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces in West Darfur; on how the Council could best support the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Sudan and ensure the meaningful inclusion of civil society; on trends in human rights violations in Sudan; on how the international community could support Sudan’s civil society; on how the international community could support the establishment of accountability mechanisms; on opportunities for ensuring that various initiatives launched for Sudan were inclusive and complementary; on preventing ethnic-based violence and atrocity crimes; and on methods of protecting the rights of women.
Concluding Remarks
VOLKER TÜRK, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said it was clear that in a situation like Sudan, the Human Rights Council had a role to play. Had there not been a special session, he would have briefed the Council out of his own accord and out of his own mandate, given the fact the situation had deteriorated so rapidly. He hoped that going forward, the Council could innovate interactive dialogues to find creative means to support the people of Sudan. Mr. Türk agreed with the statement of the African Union that there was no military solution to this situation. The first step needed to be a cease fire which held, and enabled humanitarian access to enter the country. Once the guns were silenced, everyone needed to be back at the negotiating table, ensuring an inclusive political process. He urged those who carried power to let the civilian transition come through. Effective accountability had been lacking and this was needed to ensure the future of Sudan. It was critical that humanitarian action was able to take place, with financing and access guaranteed.
ENASS MUZAMEL, Human rights defender from Sudan and co-founder of Mandaniya, said Sudan was a fragile country. The army was unable to protect civilians and was fighting in a war where residential areas were attacked. The militias were looting houses, kidnapping children and raping women, under the pretence of paving the way for democracy. The country was being taken hostage by militias and regimes. Ms. Muzamel called on all parties to know that terrorist groups were committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan. She called upon the Council to help end the killings, call for the withdrawal of militias, and requested the international community to start a reconstruction campaign for Sudan.
MOHAMED BELAICHE, Special Representative of the Chairperson and Head of the African Union Liaison Office in Sudan, said Sudan was in a situation of severe vulnerability. Solidarity and urgent actions were important. Mr. Belaiche commended the contributions of all parties who were working to alleviate the situation. Political processes were needed to overcome the crisis. The African Union roadmap was crucial for the de-escalation of hostilities. There needed to be justice for victims of human rights violations, and a democratic transition. An African solution to the situation was needed.
HASSAN HAMID HASSAN, Permanent Representative of Sudan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, called on non-governmental organizations to get in contact with local authorities to obtain verified information on the situation in Sudan. The Sudanese Government was committed to strengthening Sudanese sovereignty on all its territories. It was of paramount importance to maintain the sovereignty of governmental institutions. The Jeddah process would lead to lasting peace and security, but rebel factions needed to cooperate with its decisions.
RADHOUANE NOUICER, Designated Expert on human rights in Sudan, said the statement of the High Commissioner was clear and comprehensive regarding what should be done to bring the tragedy in Sudan to an end. The people of Sudan were being subjected to an unbearable situation. Prior to the conflict, significant progress had been achieved towards a new transitional phase in Sudan. This had included less protests and use of force, the release of hundreds of people, and the commitment by the authorities to review certain legislation. Despite intense mediation efforts since the conflict, violence continued. Since the hostiles began, there had been weekly online meetings with many non-governmental organizations, based inside and outside of Sudan. The purpose of these engagements was to document allegations of human rights violations within the current conflict. Mr. Nouicer said prompt, impartial and thorough investigations were needed into all these violations. The culture of impunity which had prevailed in Sudan had played a role in the current crisis. Sudan’s cultural heritage had not been spared. Mr. Nouicer was shocked at the number of allegations of sexual violence, where the Rapid Support Forces were alleged to be the perpetrators. He concluded by expressing admiration for the bravery demonstrated by the Sudanese in these difficult times. The suffering needed to stop.
