The 50th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

13 June to 8 July 2022

Statement of Meezaan Center for Human Rights and
Geneva International Centre for Justice

Item 6 : Universal Periodic Review - Adoption of the Sudan UPR review

4 July 2022

By Yasmine Titouni

We are pleased to note Sudan’s acceptance of the UPR recommendations related to the amendment of national legislation in line with international human rights law, including with regard to the right to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly by respecting the freedom of the media and avoiding all disproportionate use of force.

We further welcome Sudan’s acceptance of recommendations to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and commend the great emphasis their constitutional document placed on women’s rights.

As gender-based violence remained hugely underreported, we recommend that the Sudan continue to promote women’s rights and combat discrimination against women through legal reforms, including those of the Criminal Code of 1991 and the Personal Status Law, by consulting civil society, including women’s organizations.

We note, however, that Sudan rejected recommendations to immediately open civic space and defend freedom of expression and assembly for all Sudanese, including civil society actors, human rights defenders and journalists. Women protesters, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders are facing increasing attacks since the military coup of 25 October 2021. The emergency law is used to arrest and prosecute women activists. Civic space for women's rights groups is shrinking, while violence against women is increasing across the country. Since the coup, over 93 protesters were killed, at least 3000 were injured and over 2500 individuals were arrested

 Meezaan and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on the current authorities to stop its grave and systematic violations against Women Human Rights Defenders and women protestors and:

• to ensure an immediate international and independent investigation into the crimes committed by Sudanese security forces causing injuries and permanent damage to women protestors,
• and to ensure accountability for the crimes of sexual violence committed by security forces.

Thank you.