Sudan: The Human Rights Council must act to protect the population

Oral statement on the Dialogue with the Expert on human rights in Sudan

Oral statement delivered by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)

Mr. President,

The OMCT, Gisa Group and the Human Rights Hub, remain concerned by the situation in Sudan. After two months, the fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has forced more than 2.2 million people from their homes and caused an acute humanitarian crisis and provoked gross human rights violations.

Today, the death toll has reached more than 2,000 people and more than 530,000 people are refugees into neighbouring countries. Fightings are ongoing despite numerous mediation efforts by the international community.

Restrictions on freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and the massive disinformation or propaganda campaigns restricted access to information and have severely obstructed civic space. Human rights defenders have been targeted with intimidation, death threats and violence, while women human rights defenders face particular risks of sexual and gender-based violence.

This situation is unbearable and requires urgent intervention. Our organisations believe that the time for accountability has finally come for Sudan and it’s the role of the Human Rights Council to guarantee the protection of the Sudanese population through a strong resolution. We require the urgent establishment of a United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission that will help identifying protection gaps and concerns in Sudan, and formulate specific recommendations for shaping policies and assistance programmes including the protection of civilians, human rights defenders, and all non-military objects.

Thank you