Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr Vice-President,
Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes the Annual Report and oral update provided by the High Commissioner with the assistance of the Designated Expert on human rights in the Sudan.
We note that the period of reporting pre-dates the current conflict engulfing Sudan, which has exacerbated an already fragile human rights situation. We urge the parties to the conflict to adhere to a lasting ceasefire. This will help to alleviate human suffering and enable Sudan to restart the transition to civil government as envisioned by the political framework agreement of December 2022.
The overall human rights situation in the country, as outlined by the High Commissioner, is alarming. The continued instances of the use of excessive force, unlawful killings, torture and ill-treatment in detention, and sexual and gender based violence, remain deeply concerning.
We call upon Sudan to implement effective accountability mechanisms for human rights violations. As the report notes, many of those suffering at the hands of joint security forces are ultimately released without charge or upon dismissal of charges. Without effective accountability it is difficult to envision an improvement in the human rights situation in Sudan.
We ask the High Commissioner, how can the international community help to facilitate a transition to civilian government centred on human rights and accountability?
Thank you Mr Vice- President.