50th Session of the Human Rights Council: Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

50th session of the Human Rights Council

Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights since, and human rights violations and abuses committed during, the period of the military takeover in the Sudan

Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)

15 June 2022

Mr. President,

Iceland has the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries. We thank the High Commissioner for the update.

Mr. President,

The situation for human rights in Sudan has deteriorated since the last time we met in this format.

We are appalled by the violence from the security forces towards peaceful protesters. More than 100 have been killed and thousands arbitrarily detained. We have seen widespread sexual and gender-based violence. Tensions are increasing nationally, including 200 people killed in inter-communal violence in Darfur.

A Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue is necessary to achieve a broad-based support for the path forward. We appreciate the commitment of UNITAMS, AU and IGAD to support the process. The de facto authorities must stop the violence and create a conducive environment for dialogue. The lifting of the state of emergency and release of prisoners are positive steps, more needs to be done.

We appreciate the work of the independent human rights expert in Sudan and call upon the Sudanese authorities to fully cooperate with his mandate.

Mr. President,

How can we and the Office best support the protection and advancement of human rights in Sudan?

Thank you.