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Mr President,
The Nordic countries thank the Independent Expert for the report on the grave human rights situation in Sudan, which underscores the urgent need to strengthen the efforts to protect human rights in Sudan.
After the reporting period we have witnessed significant political changes.
We welcome the recent signing of the Constitutional Declaration Document and the formation of the Sovereign Council and the Civilian-Led Transitional Government. These events present a historic opportunity to put in place governance structures and institutions that respect the rule of law, human rights and democracy. We are further encouraged by the appointment of women in cabinet, the Supreme Court and the Legislative Council. It is important to further ensure the success of the transitional process. A key element for success is the initiation of a transitional justice process.
We would like to emphasise that the Government of the Sudan should make sure that civil society, human rights defenders, the media and other independent actors can exist and operate in a safe and enabling environment.
We also call on the Government of the Sudan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the relevant African Union resolutions regarding participation of women at all levels in the peace process, and implement regional and international charters regarding women’s rights.
The Nordic countries appreciates the new signals from the government to assist and cooperate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This is encouraging. We welcome that the draft resolution establishes a full-mandated OHCHR country office in Sudan, and believe the renewal of the IE mandate for another year would be beneficial.
The Nordic Countries have a strong and unequivocal opposition to the death penalty in all times and in all circumstances. We urge the Government to abolish this practice in Sudan.
Furthermore, we strongly hope and expect that the implementation of the Constitutional Declaration Document will improve the human rights situation. How can the international community support the transitional authorities in promoting human rights and ensuring accountability for human rights violations, while at the same time lying the foundation for reconciliation?
We, the Nordic countries, stand ready to assist.
Thank you