UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet on Friday reminded the authorities in Sudan of their overarching duty to ensure the protection of the human rights of all people and to refrain from the use of violence.
“This is a very critical, volatile moment for Sudan and there is deep uncertainty and unease about the future,” Bachelet said.
“We are closely monitoring developments and call on the authorities to refrain from using force against peaceful protestors, and to ensure that security forces and judicial authorities act in full accordance with the rule of law and Sudan’s international human rights obligations” she said.
The military hierarchy in Sudan on Thursday announced the overthrow and arrest of long term ruler Omar el-Bashir after months of angry protests calling on him to resign.
The High Commissioner Bachelet appealed for calm and called on the authorities to release all those detained for their exercise of the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
“The crisis in Sudan has its roots in human rights grievances – economic, social, civil and political rights. The solution must also be grounded in human rights,” she said.
Bachelet also stressed the need for independent, prompt and effective investigations into the excessive use of force against protestors since December last year.
According to her the UN Human Rights Office is looking to strengthen its engagement with Sudan to advise and assist the state in discharging fully its human rights obligations.
WN/as/APA