53rd Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Sudan
Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)
19 June 2023
Thank you, Mr. President.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the High Commissioner for the update and echo the grave concern over the crisis in Sudan. Reported cases of unlawful killings, including of children, arbitrary detentions, sexual and gender-based violence continue to be worrisome. We are concerned over the increasing numbers of refugees, internally displaced persons and millions of Sudanese in need of humanitarian aid and protection. We strongly condemn all violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and the expulsion of the Head of UNITAMS, Volker Perthes.
We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease violence and put the interests and safety of the people in Sudan first. We urge the belligerents to engage in an African-led political process under the auspices of the African Union in order to find an immediate, peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict.
We firmly believe that the cessation of hostilities, protection of human rights and accountability for all violations and abuses committed should remain central and contribute to the resolution of crisis in Sudan. Ultimately, a return to an inclusive political process, where women are included, is where the future for Sudan lies.
Mr. High Commissioner,
How can the international community best support the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons in Sudan?
I thank you.