Statement at the 53rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on Sudan
At #HRC53's interactive dialogue on 🇸🇩#Sudan, we:
— CIVICUS (@CIVICUSalliance) June 20, 2023
-called on the government to cease hostilities & respect #humanrights
-urged neighboring countries to temporarily waive entry visa requirements & grant prima facie refugee status to those fleeing the violence. pic.twitter.com/cg9HiKWjPN
Delivered by Sibahle Zuma
Thank you, Mr President,
CIVICUS and its partners in Sudan welcome the High Commissioner’s report and the support of the UN designated expert.
We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Sudan which has resulted in over 400 deaths, thousands of injuries, and the displacement of thousands of civilians.
Civic freedoms have also been on a steady decline. Since October 2021, at least 125 civilians have been killed in protests. Sudanese security forces have been reported to use firearms against protesting civilians. The authorities continue to arrest and arbitrarily detain civilians for participating in protests. Female protesters have also been subjected to rape and sexual violence by authorities.
Restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association continued, including through the application of the Cybercrimes Act. On 26 January 2023, a journalist from the Aljareeda newspaper was summoned by the court in Khartoum for publishing reports about corruption at the Ministry of Energy and Mining.
We call upon the Sudanese government to immediately cease hostilities and protect civilians, while restoring freedom of expression. Journalists must be able to carry out their work independently and without fear of reprisals. This is crucial to ensure accountability for the crimes committed by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
We further call on neighbouring countries, especially Egypt, Chad and Ethiopia, to temporarily waive entry visa requirements and recognise prima facie the refugee status to Sudanese people fleeing the country.
We thank you.
Civic space in Sudan is rated as Repressed by the CIVICUS Monitor