News briefing
Translated and edited by: Committee for Justice
Geneva: April 10, 2023
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed his concern about the current tense situation in Sudan, renewing his call for all parties to put aside personal
interests and focus on the common interests of the Sudanese people, and to redouble efforts to restore a civilian-led government.
In a statement released by the Human Rights Council media center in Geneva, Türk said, ” As I had said during my visit to Sudan in November, the country is at a decisive juncture. Much work has been done and many positive steps taken towards the signature of a final agreement – all efforts must now go to get the political transition back on the right path.”
Avoiding further delays:
Türk urged all parties to work together to overcome the obstacles to reforming the security sector, and to avoid any further delay in signing the political agreement. He also stressed the need to ensure that the strong human rights commitments set out in the Political Framework Agreement remain central to the final political agreement, including those relating to credible and comprehensive accountability and transitional justice processes.
Türk called on non-signatory parties to the Political Framework Agreement to join the political process, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive process that addresses the concerns of all sectors of society, while ensuring that all parties take measures to calm tensions and refrain from violence.
Ensuring authority’s respect of freedom of expression:
Türk also urged the authorities to ensure full respect for people’s rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to clearly direct security forces to respond to protests in accordance with human rights laws and standards.
In December of last year, a Political Framework Agreement was signed between civilian and military leaders in Sudan as a first step towards a political agreement and the restoration of a civilian-led government.
