UN Human Rights Council 39: UK Statement on Sudan
皇冠体育app UK raised concerns over serious restrictions to civil freedoms, but remained hopeful a consensus resolution would pave the way for an OHCHR country office.
Thank you, Mr President,
皇冠体育app United Kingdom thanks the Independent Expert for his report and appreciates the Government of Sudan鈥檚 willingness to engage with the Expert鈥檚 mandate. We commend Sudan on the completion of its action plan to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, and on senior appointments to the National Commission for Human Rights. We urge the Government to ensure that the Commission functions effectively.
We note that a number of the Independent Expert鈥榮 previous recommendations have not yet been implemented, and urge the Government to take immediate action on these. As highlighted in the report, freedoms of expression, assembly, media and religion or belief continue to be restricted. 皇冠体育app UK is deeply concerned by the number of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, treatment of detainees, and newspapers seizures. We urge the Government to undertake reforms, notably to amend the Press and Publication Act, and repeal emergency laws in Darfur.
We further urge the Government to address allegations of human rights abuses and violations within conflict areas and ensure these are investigated fully and independently. We continue to encourage the Government to ratify the Convention Against Torture and the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
We will continue to discuss human rights challenges with the Government of Sudan, and provide technical assistance to help them meet their international commitments and responsibilities.
Mr President,
We would welcome the Independent Expert鈥檚 views on which of his recommendations in particular should and can be implemented as a matter of immediate priority.
Thank you.