UN General Assembly drafts new resolution on Sudan

The UN General Assembly issued a resolution on technical assistance for Sudan in the field of human rights, adopting the notes from the Human Rights Council in regards to the concerns on the humanitarian situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The resolution calls upon all parties to make every possible effort to end the violence immediately and to halt all clashes, as well as to take action to strengthen respect for the rule of law in the two provinces. Interactive dialogue on human rights situation in SudanThe resolution encourages Sudan to strengthen its efforts made in the context of the Doha Peace Agreements. The resolution also calls for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert, Mashood A. Baderin, for one year, and for appropriate access to be provided to him in the implementation of his mandate. Austria, speaking on behalf of the European Union expressed concern about human rights in Sudan, including freedom of expression, restrictions on the media, reports of torture, and the lack of cooperation with the International Criminal Court.The European Union remained unconvinced that the resolution reflects the situation in Sudan. It is crucial for Sudan to reflect its intention to cooperate with international partners in the field of human rights. The United States agreed that the Independent Expert’s mandate should be continued and strengthened. The Sudanese government was strongly urged to start working closely with the Expert prior to his visits, to arrange access to all parts of the country. They called on the government of Sudan (GoS) to fulfil its commitments and immediately implement the tripartite plan for humanitarian access. Sudan agreed to honor all the requirements and confirmed its readiness to cooperate with the Human Rights Council.