Sudan UPR Outcome Statement
As delivered by Flacelia Celsula
Delegation of the United States of America
Human Rights Council 33rd Session
Geneva,
September 21, 2016
The United States acknowledges the Sudan delegation at the UPR Adoption session.
We express serious concern that the Government restricted travel of individuals seeking to participate in a pre-session of the March 2016 UPR Working Group.
We welcome the Government’s decision to accept the recommendation to create an environment that supports inclusive dialogue, instituting legal reforms to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We take note of the fact that this dialogue process is underway. We urge the Government to take seriously its commitment to create an environment fully conducive to negotiations, so that all Sudanese stakeholders can participate.
We also welcome the Government’s June 2016 declaration of a cessation of hostilities in the two Areas and the end of offensive operations in Darfur. We encourage both parties in the conflict to sign a permanent ceasefire that will help to achieve a lasting peace and sustained improvement in the human rights situation. We also encourage all parties to further facilitate humanitarian access to populations in need of assistance, and encourage the Government to intensify its efforts to address humanitarian needs in conflict-affected areas.
Finally, we welcome the Government’s cooperation with the Independent Expert on the Human Rights Situation in Sudan.
We look forward to seeing progress on implementing the accepted UPR recommendations over the course of the next five years.
Thank you.