November 17, 2022
Cited article by UN News
HRRC urges Sudanese authorities to initiate a peace agreement and immediately transfer power to a civilian-led authority in the country. The Sudanese people are in a dire situation regarding human rights abuses and starvation. Establishing human rights values as the foundation of democratic transition will begin steps towards addressing the critical needs of all civilians.
Article Summary
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has highlighted the need for human rights to be at the center of the democratic transition in Sudan. Türk also is advocating strongly for the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement which would restore civilian authority in the country as a necessary first step towards further action and change. Civilian authority has yet to be established since the military takeover of the country from the former dictator Omar Al-Bashir in October 2021.
It is noted that the situation in Sudan is dire. Many in the country are facing significant poverty, leading to fighting over resources, which may escalate further due to the effects of climate change. A third of the population is in need of humanitarian aid. Additionally, protestors have faced significant harm from the current authorities; allegedly 119 people have been killed and another 8,050 have sustained injuries since the military takeover. Significant gender bias is also present, endangering women and girls with impunity.