UN experts condemn excessive use of force at protests

UN human rights experts* have condemned reports of excessive use of force against peaceful protesters in Sudan. While taking note of the latest reports that a military council is being formed, the experts called on the authorities to respond to the legitimate grievances of the people.  

More than 20 people have been killed and over 100 injured since 6 April, the experts said, adding they had also received reports of widespread arrests and attacks on journalists by the security forces.     

At a demonstration in front of the headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum, the National Intelligence and Security Services used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, prompting the army to move in to protect them, the experts said.

"In this moment of crisis, the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly needs to be protected and guaranteed," said the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye. 

Protests erupted nearly four months ago when the Government attempted to raise the prices of bread and basic commodities.   

"I urge the authorities to lift the national state of emergency and respond to the legitimate grievances of the Sudanese people through inclusive peaceful political process," Voule said. “The Sudanese people, including human rights defenders, have the right to express their views and concerns through peaceful means, in particular on issues concerning fundamental rights,” added Michel Forst, UN Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

The UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, Aristide Nononsi, said the State’s institutions are obliged to protect civilians and respect the people’s legitimate demands and constitutional rights.

"I call on State authorities to uphold their primary responsibility to protect the civilian population in Sudan, and I strongly urge the Sudanese military and security forces to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation of violence and to take immediate measures to protect the constitutional rights of the Sudanese," Nononsi said.

The Independent Expert on Sudan welcomed an invitation from the Government to visit the country from 27 April - 5 May.

 "I urge the authorities to facilitate an independent and thorough investigation into the human rights violations committed during the protests, and call on the judiciary to stop using so-called emergency courts which do not adhere to fair trial standards,” Nononsi said. 

The UN experts expressed their readiness to cooperate with all parties to help establish a State where human rights are central and the rule of law upheld.