Human Rights Council 36: Human Rights in Sudan
This UK statement was delivered at the 36th session of the Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sudan on 27 September 2017.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The UK thanks the Independent Expert for his report which sets out the Government of Sudan’s efforts to improve human rights. We welcome these efforts, which include the declaration of unilateral cessations of hostilities, improvements on humanitarian access in conflict areas, and the release of prominent activists.
However, as outlined in the Independent Expert’s report, a number of human rights challenges remain in Sudan. The UK continues to be concerned by human rights violations and abuses, perpetrated with impunity in Sudan’s conflict areas, as well as the lack of sustainable solutions for addressing the long term drivers of these conflicts. We urge the Government to hold perpetrators accountable for human rights violations and abuses, and to cooperate fully with the UN-AU Mission in Darfur to increase protection for civilians.
Freedoms continue to be restricted across Sudan, in particular freedoms of expression, assembly, religion or belief. We therefore urge the Government to undertake reforms, notably on the National Security Act, Public Order Laws, and judicial system, as recommended in the Independent Expert’s report and Sudan’s Universal Periodic Review.
We welcome the Government of Sudan’s engagement with the Independent Expert and their increasing willingness to engage with the international community on human rights. Through our Strategic Dialogue with the Government of Sudan, we will continue to explore opportunities to provide technical advice to Sudan, in order for it to meet its international human rights obligations.