UN Human Rights Council 50: UK delivered a statement expressing solidarity with the Sudanese people

During the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on Sudan, the United Kingdom delivered a statement expressing solidarity with the Sudanese people.

The statement reads:

Thank you, Mr Vice President.

“The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan in their struggle for democracy and we are proud of our role in helping establish this mandate, which was agreed by consensus. Therefore, we applaud the High Commissioner and Mr Dieng for their work so far and thank them for this report.

Mr Vice President,

While the human rights situation has worsened since the military coup in Sudan, we do acknowledge some recent positive developments. We particularly welcome the lifting of the State of Emergency on 29 May and the release of some political detainees.

But there is still much to do. All arbitrarily detained activists and protestors must be released. Sexual and gender-based violence must end, as must the use of excessive force against demonstrators. And those who have committed human rights violations must be held accountable without impunity, to help reconciliation and foster progress.

Madam Deputy High Commissioner

It is vital that all parties engage fully with the ongoing talks facilitated by the United Nations, African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, for there to be hope for a return to civilian-led government and a democratic society. How can the OHCHR and Mr Dieng promote participation in this vital process?

Thank you.”