PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 56: Item 2 – Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update of the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan [June 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 June 2024.

National Statement on Sudan, delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Mr President,

For over a year, the world has borne witness to harrowing atrocities committed against the people of Sudan. Credible evidence suggests indiscriminate shelling by the Sudanese Armed Forces and widespread sexual and gender-based violence and ethnically targeted killings by the Rapid Support Forces has led to the largest displacement crisis in the world.

Despite warnings of millions of excess deaths from famine, the warring parties continue their selfish agendas of seeking military victory, with little or no regard for upholding basic human rights of the Sudanese people.

I’d like to thank the Fact-Finding Mission for their update today. While we regret that its start-up has been delayed by the ongoing UN liquidity crisis, the continued need for its independent scrutiny is absolutely clear.

We therefore welcome resolution 578 by the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights calling on the warring parties and all neighbouring States to cooperate fully with the Fact-Finding Mission, including granting it access.

Mr President,

We reiterate our calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities across Sudan, including urgent de-escalation in El Fasher in line with Security Council resolution 2736, and a return to the negotiating table. Accountability must go hand in hand with finding a political solution to this horrific war and pulling Sudan out of its decades-long cycle of impunity.

Thank you.