UN official voices concern over human rights situation in Sudan

KHARTOUM, SUDAN – JANUARY 9: People stage a demonstration demanding the restoration of civilian rule in Khartoum, Sudan on January 9, 2022. /Getty Images

A UN rights official on Thursday voiced concern over the human rights situation in Sudan, calling on the Sudanese government to respect its international obligations regarding human rights and bring killers of protesters to justice.

He was speaking at a press conference in the capital Khartoum where he said that more than 80 protesters have been killed and 135 others arrested in Sudan since the October 25 military takeover.

He also said that 13 Sudanese women have reportedly been raped, of which one case has been confirmed by Sudanese authorities.

“Investigations into the killing of protesters have to be implemented,” he said, calling on the Sudanese authorities to lift the state of emergency, stop violence and release all detainees.

“When you are a detainee and don’t have access to a lawyer, this is a violation…and when people are shot to death this is also unacceptable and has to be investigated” he added.

According to local medics, 82 protesters have been killed by security forces since October.

Sudan was governed by a sovereign council of military and civilian officials tasked with overseeing the transition period until elections in 2023, prior to the military takeover.

cgtn.com