Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President, High Commissioner
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Canada and my own country, New Zealand.
We welcome the report and the update provided by the High Commissioner, with the assistance of the Designated Expert on human rights in the Sudan. We also welcome the commencement of the work of the Fact-Finding Mission.
The fighting in Sudan is approaching a grim first anniversary. As the report outlines, the conflict is having a devastating impact on the Sudanese people.
We deplore the use of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and unlawful killings. We are deeply concerned by reports of gross human rights violations and abuses, as well as serious violations of international humanitarian law by both Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. We note in particular the High Commissioner’s finding that some of these violations may amount to war crimes. The reports of sexual and gender-based and ethnically-motivated violence are horrifying.
We once again urge the parties to negotiate and adhere to an immediate ceasefire. We will continue to support all efforts to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators. We underscore the need for safe, effective and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
The ultimate goal must be a long-term, negotiated settlement, enabling a transition to civilian-led and democratic government.
To the High Commissioner — how can the international community help ensure that human rights violations and abuses in Sudan are adequately investigated, with a view to promoting full accountability?
Thank you, Mr President.