Summary:
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Over 600 people have lost their lives in the fighting, while more than 150,000 have fled the country and over 700,000 have been internally displaced.
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The UN rights chief has made an urgent call for a humanitarian truce and an end to human rights violations in the country.
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The crisis in Sudan has drawn international attention and concern, with the UN Human Rights Council calling for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis and human rights abuses in the country.
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Resolution passed for enhanced human rights monitoring in SudanThe Human Rights Council passed a resolution on Thursday calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Sudan and a recommitment of all parties to the transition towards a civilian-led government.
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Furthermore, the resolution expands the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, designated in December of 2022.
UN Human Rights on Sudan crisis, once seen as a “beacon of hope” after the fall of former dictator Omar al-Bashir, is now facing a humanitarian disaster. The country’s transition to civilian rule, which seemed promising just six months ago, has taken a dark turn. Over 600 people have lost their lives in the fighting, while more than 150,000 have fled the country and over 700,000 have been internally displaced. To make matters worse, record levels of hunger are expected in Sudan in the coming months.
The Destruction of Hope and Rights in Sudan
Following the popular protests that toppled the three-decade-long dictatorship of Omar al-Bashir, Sudan seemed to be on the path towards progress and stability. The hope was that the country would transition towards civilian rule with accountability and respect for human rights at the forefront. However, what has ensued is a complete devastation of hope and rights.
Mr. Türk, the UN rights chief, recently spoke of his visit to Sudan six months ago when he saw a glimmer of hope for the country’s future. His message to rival generals was clear: accountability and human rights were essential for any future agreement.
Humanitarian Disaster and the Plight of Millions
Today, Sudan is in the grips of a humanitarian disaster. The fighting has led to the loss of over 600 lives, while thousands of others have fled the country or been internally displaced. The situation is dire, and it is expected to worsen in the coming months. Sudan is bracing for record levels of hunger, which will only exacerbate an already desperate situation.
The Way Forward for Sudan
It is clear that something needs to be done to address the situation in Sudan. The country is in desperate need of humanitarian aid, and the international community must step in to provide support. Furthermore, accountability must be demanded from those responsible for the atrocities committed in Sudan. The hope is that Sudan can once again become a “beacon of hope” for its people, but this can only happen if the international community comes together to support the country and demand accountability for those who have caused such devastation.
Urgent Call for Peace: UN Rights Chief Demands Humanitarian Truce and End to Human Rights Violations in Sudan
The situation in Sudan has become dire, with widespread human rights violations and a humanitarian crisis looming. Despite diplomatic efforts by various actors, including the African Union, IGAD, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations, the leaders of the SAF and RSF have not agreed to discuss ending hostilities. The UN rights chief has made an urgent call for a humanitarian truce and an end to human rights violations in the country.
Commitment to an Inclusive Political Process and Negotiated Peace
The High Commissioner has called on the parties to the conflict in Sudan to commit urgently to an inclusive political process and to a negotiated peace. The situation on the ground is critical, with thousands of lives at risk and a humanitarian crisis looming. It is imperative that the parties to the conflict come together to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Demand for Detailed Rights Monitoring
The UN rights chief has demanded detailed rights monitoring of the situation in Sudan. The Council was expected to take action on a resolution echoing this call on Thursday. It is crucial that the international community continues to monitor the situation closely and demand accountability for those responsible for the human rights violations in the country.
The situation in Sudan is complex, and finding a peaceful resolution will not be easy. However, the UN rights chief’s urgent call for a humanitarian truce and an end to human rights violations is a step in the right direction. It is now up to the parties to the conflict to commit to an inclusive political process and negotiate a peace settlement. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and demand accountability for those responsible for the crisis in Sudan.
Immense Suffering and Rights Abuses: UN Experts Deplore Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
A group of independent UN-appointed human rights experts has highlighted the immense suffering endured by the people of Sudan, calling attention to the human rights abuses experienced by civilians of all ages. The experts have expressed alarm at the shelling of a shelter for girls with disabilities in Khartoum and other attacks on healthcare, humanitarian workers, and human rights defenders.
Deplored Human Rights Abuses and Shortages of Essential Resources
The experts deplored the human rights abuses, including sexual assault and gender-based violence, experienced by civilians of all ages in Sudan. They also highlighted the shortages of food, water, and healthcare, which are contributing to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the country. The experts called on the parties to the conflict to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals.
Commitment to Ensuring the Safety of Civilians and Civilian Infrastructure
Tlaleng Mofokeng, Chair of the Coordination Committee of Special Procedures and Special Rapporteur on the right to health, has called on the parties to the conflict to commit to ensuring the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is imperative that the parties to the conflict take immediate action to protect civilians and essential infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, from attack.
Independent UN-Appointed Human Rights Experts
It is important to note that independent rights experts appointed by the High Commissioner in accordance with Human Rights Council resolutions are not UN staff and are not paid for their work. These experts play a crucial role in monitoring human rights abuses around the world and providing independent assessments of the situation on the ground. The international community must continue to support the work of these experts and demand accountability for those responsible for the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Sudan Questions Emergency Session at UN, Citing Lack of Consent from African and Arab States
Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Hassan Hamid Hassan, has raised questions about the recent emergency session held by the UN Human Rights Council on the crisis in Sudan. Mr. Hassan has pointed out that the decision to hold the session just weeks before the Council’s regular session in June was questionable, and that it did not receive the support of any African or Arab state.
Lack of Consent from African and Arab States
Mr. Hassan has questioned the legitimacy of the emergency session, citing the lack of consent from any African or Arab state. He has suggested that the decision to hold the special session just weeks before the Council’s regular session in June was unnecessary and potentially counterproductive.
International Response to the Crisis in Sudan
The crisis in Sudan has drawn international attention and concern, with the UN Human Rights Council calling for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis and human rights abuses in the country. While some have questioned the approach taken by the Council, many have expressed support for the international response and called for increased efforts to protect the rights and wellbeing of the people of Sudan.
It is clear that the crisis in Sudan requires urgent attention and action from the international community. While there may be disagreements about the best way to address the situation, it is essential that all parties work together to find a solution that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of the people of Sudan.
Diverse Perspectives Presented at Sudan Special Session
The Special Session on Sudan held at the Human Rights Council received a wide range of opinions and perspectives from over 70 countries and NGOs. The attendees discussed the need for the session and the extent of international involvement in the Sudanese crisis.
Representing the UK, Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State for development and Africa, highlighted the importance of the Human Rights Council’s ability to respond quickly to human rights emergencies. The European Union and the United States also supported the Special Session.
Lebanon’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Salim Baddoura, welcomed all international and regional initiatives to end the conflict, including talks in Jeddah under the United States and Saudi Arabia’s auspices. He emphasized Sudan’s right for its views to be taken into account before new mechanisms were established or existing mandates extended.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Allou Lambert Yao, expressed support for “African solutions for African problems,” commending the mediation efforts of IGAD under the African Union’s auspices.
Resolution passed for enhanced human rights monitoring in Sudan
The Human Rights Council passed a resolution on Thursday calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Sudan and a recommitment of all parties to the transition towards a civilian-led government. The resolution also emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, humanitarian workers, and ensuring accountability for human rights violations.
Furthermore, the resolution expands the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, designated in December of 2022. This expansion includes detailed monitoring and documentation of all allegations of human rights violations and abuses since October 25th, 2021, when the Sudanese military led by General al-Burhan seized power in a coup.
This move is significant as it increases international pressure on the Sudanese authorities to ensure respect for human rights and highlights the urgent need for accountability for any violations committed. The expanded mandate of the Independent Expert is a step towards achieving transparency and justice in the country, and will hopefully lead to the creation of more effective mechanisms for preventing human rights abuses in the future.
[…] Sudan was thrust into chaos as a tempest of violence swept across its landscapes, unleashing a maelstrom of major fighting, missile attacks, and relentless artillery exchanges. The echoes of destruction reverberated through the nation, engulfing various locations, including the very heart of Khartoum, the capital city. In the wake of this devastating onslaught, the sombre toll has been heavy, with nearly a hundred lives tragically lost and countless others bearing the physical and emotional scars of this unforgiving conflict. Emerging from the shadows as the central figures in these clashes are the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by the resolute General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the tenacious paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under the formidable leadership of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, affectionately known as Hemedti. What adds further complexity to this unfolding drama is the fact that both generals also hold key positions as deputy heads of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, casting a stark light on the intricate power dynamics at play. Now, within the pages of this comprehensive article, we embark on a relentless pursuit of truth, peeling back the layers that shroud the causes, unearthing the far-reaching implications, and illuminating potential avenues for resolution, all in the context of this gripping power struggle that ensnares the very soul of Sudan. […]