UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement for interactive dialogue on Sudan

UK Ambassador to the UN and WTO in Geneva Simon Manley gave this statement commending the positive engagement between the government of Sudan and the Joint Human Rights Office:

The United Kingdom thanks the OHCHR for its report, and we commend the positive engagement between the Government of Sudan and the Joint Human Rights Office.

Significant progress has been made on human rights over the past year in Sudan. The introduction of legal reforms and establishment of several independent commissions are welcome examples of the Government’s commitment to human rights reform. The UK particularly commends Sudan’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court in their investigation into alleged crimes committed in Darfur. We also welcome the ratification of the Convention Against Torture, and urge the Government to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Despite welcome progress, significant challenges remain. Increases in intercommunal violence, resulting in significant civilian displacements, are particularly concerning. The UK supports the OHCHR’s call for the swift and full implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement, including provisions for the deployment of a Joint Protection Force to protect civilians in conflict-affected areas.

High Commissioner,

What steps should the Government of Sudan take to address the root causes of conflict and guarantee the protection of civilians, particularly in Darfur