Human Rights Council - 15th Regular Session
Intervention by Australia
Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Sudan
by HE Mr Peter Woolcott
Friday 17 November 2010
Australia would like to thank the Independent Expert for his report to the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Sudan. The report reaffirms that serious human rights concerns remain, and ongoing close attention by and support from the international community is necessary. We would like to welcome the fact that Sudan gave their cooperation to the Independent Expert.
Australia is deeply concerned by the Independent Expert’s findings on arbitrary arrests, detention, torture and ill-treatment by security and intelligence forces throughout Sudan. A lack of accountability for serious human rights violations in Darfur and southern Sudan is of particular concern. Australia calls on Sudan to ensure that all human rights abuses and international humanitarian law violations are duly investigated. Perpetrators should be brought to justice promptly, particularly individuals with command responsibility.
Australia shares the concern of the Independent Expert about increasing tribal violence in southern Sudan, including the attendant loss of life among women and children. We support the Independent Expert’s call for the Government of Southern Sudan to address serious institutional gaps in the justice and security sectors in order to promote the rule of law and protect human rights.
Australia agrees with the Independent Expert that delaying the appointment of Commissioners to the National Human Rights Commission compromises human rights protection. Australia urges Sudan to abide by the terms of its April 2009 National Human Rights Commission Act and appoint Commissioners without delay.
Australia notes the Independent Expert’s concerns on the current domestic legal environment in Sudan. Ahead of the southern Sudan and Abyei referenda in 2011, Australia urges Sudan to promote an environment conducive to the enjoyment of freedom of expression, assembly and political participation in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Interim National Constitution of 2005.
Finally, Australia recommends that the mandate of the independent expert be renewed for another year so he can work with the Sudanese government in improving the human rights situation in Sudan.