6 June, 2019
Sudan: urgent international action needed to prevent further violence, ensure accountability

This article was first published by DefendDefenders

In a letter issued today, DefendDefenders and partners condemn the deliberate attack on peaceful democracy protesters in Khartoum that has resulted in at least 100 dead and hundreds of injured. We demand a strong international response to immediately stop the violence and ensure accountability.

We highlight that these horrific acts demonstrate the Transitional Military Council’s (TMC) lack of commitment to a peaceful transition to a civilian government and the risk of further political polarization and of mass violent confrontation.

The international community cannot afford to wait or to stay silent. Recalling the letter sent to Members and Observers of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in January 2019, we urge the Council to hold a special (emergency) session on the situation in Sudan and to adopt a resolution setting up a fact-finding mission to monitor and report on human rights violations and pave the way for accountability.

The HRC, where no State enjoys veto powers, should take action to overcome the UN Security Council’s failure to condemn the violence. In the letter, we and partners formulate recommendations with a view to urging the international community to do everything in its power to prevent the takeover of the government by military factions associated with the abuses and repression of the former regime.