The United Nations has called on Sudanese authorities to release political prisoners

April 12, 2019
| Report Focus News

The United Nations human rights body headed by Michelle Bachelet has expressed concerns with regards the political situation in Sudan and called on the Sudanese authorities to release citizens arrested while protesting peacefully.

Michelle Bachelet said the authorities must also restrain from using force and should also investigate the use of force since the anti-government demonstrations began in December.

“This is a very critical, volatile moment for Sudan and there is deep uncertainty and unease about the future,” Ms Bachelet said.

Thousands of protesters are still camped outside the defence ministry in the capital, Khartoum, to push for a civilian government after the military ousted President Omar al-Bashir after 30 years of autocratic rule.

The High Commissioner appealed for calm and called on the authorities to release all those detained for their exercise of the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

“The crisis in Sudan has its roots in human rights grievances – economic, social, civil and political rights. The solution must also be grounded in human rights,” she said.

“I call on the Government to address the people’s demands. There needs to be a concerted effort, with the meaningful participation of civil society, to work to resolve these grievances.”

She also stressed the need for independent, prompt and effective investigations into the excessive use of force against protestors since December last year.


Bachelet reiterated the readiness of the UN Human Rights Office to strengthen its engagement with Sudan to advise and assist the State in discharging fully its human rights obligations.