Sudan: Demonstrations

(asked on 9th February 2022) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of investigations into and accountability for (a) deaths and (b) injuries of protestors following security service action in Sudan since 25 October 2021.


Answered by
Vicky Ford Portrait
Vicky Ford
This question was answered on 25th February 2022

We are deeply concerned by the continued violent repression of Sudanese protesters, including reports that live ammunition has been used against them. Over 80 protesters have been killed since the coup on 25 October 2021 and at least some of these deaths are attributable to the use of live ammunition, although we cannot confirm exact dates and numbers. The Sudanese military has committed to investigate the killing and abuse of protesters since the coup and we urge them to deliver this swiftly and in a transparent manner. However, accountability for crimes committed before and after the coup has yet to be delivered and we will continue to push for progress.

Our advocacy of a return to Sudan's democratic transition has included calls for ordinary Sudanese to be able to protest without fear of violence, and for accountability for all human rights violations. This includes through statements with the Troika (US/Norway/UK) as well as by the Foreign Secretary and I. We also helped to secure a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council in November to maintain scrutiny on the situation. With partners we continue to consider all options to maintain pressure on the Sudanese military to protect human rights, recommit to the democratic transition and deliver people's demands for freedom, peace and justice.

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