Despite a heavy security crackdown and lack of progress, protesters rallied on Monday. Protestors call for an immediate return of civilian rule. While protests continue, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has updated on situation of human rights in Sudan.
Despite a heavy security crackdown and an apparent lack of progress, protesters rallied on Monday in a country, which took a winding path to democracy after a popular uprising in 2019 toppled long-time leader Omar al-Bashir.
Monday’s rally was the latest in a string of protests over the military power grab which removed the civilian-led transitional government.
The ruling coup makers vow to hand power to an elected government, promising elections next year. But the prospects for that are very small. Young protestors call for an immediate return of civilian rule.
UN High Commissioner
While protests continue, Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has updated on situation of human rights in Sudan. She says, among other things, that she is “deeply troubled by the sharp reversal of human rights achievements following the military coup in Sudan last October.”
“The coup – which took place on 25 October 2021 – has again plunged the country into profound crisis. Two years of progress towards institutional and legal reform that Sudan had been making since 2019 is now being eroded.”
“Live ammunition, and offensive weapons such as machine guns and shot guns, are being used directly against protestors, and tear gas canisters have been fired as weapons at their heads and bodies, in clear breach of international law.”
“I am also alarmed by the attacks on hospitals, medical facilities and assaults on their staff. In one incident, security forces fired tear gas into an emergency ward. In others, they blocked injured people from accessing ambulances and medical care.”
“The Joint Human Rights Office reports that more than 1000 people were arrested for opposing the coup and its consequences between 25 October 2021 and 3 March 2022. Shockingly, these figures include at least 144 women, and 148 children.”
“I am shocked by the 25 allegations of rape, gang rape and other forms of sexual violence against women, girls and men since 25 October 2021.”
– End Statement –
It was very sharp criticism from the High Commissioner. While al-Burhan and Dagalo laugh at statements like this, they should keep in mind that they are important to the ICC.
