STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 52nd Session. Item 2 - Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Sudan.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries:
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
Check against delivery
3 March 2023
President,
I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries. We thank the High Commissioner for the update.
The situation for human rights in Sudan remains a cause for serious concern. In recent months, parts of the country have seen clashes between armed groups. Too many civilians remain exposed to violence, harassment and SGBV while those responsible are not held to account. We once again call on the signatories to implement the Juba Peace Agreement.
Moreover, the right of peaceful protests must be respected, and we urge the military authorities to show restraint.
Human rights violations and abuse are linked to the fragile political situation. Therefore, we appreciate that a broad range of Sudanese stakeholders are engaged in negotiations to solve the country’s crisis. This work should be centred around the Framework Political Agreement, which remains the only credible basis to establish a new civilian-led government to lead Sudan through a transitional period to free and fair elections.
We are encouraged by your own and the High Commissioner’s visits to Sudan, and we call upon the Sudanese authorities to fully cooperate with UN mandates and mechanisms.
What steps can the Sudanese authorities take to protect and promote human rights during the current political crisis?
Thank you.