UN expert condemns excessive use of force against protesters in Sudan
November 2, 2021 (GENEVA) – A UN human rights expert Tuesday voiced grave concerns about the rejecting the military coup d’état of 25 October and he called for a robust international response.
Following the military takeover in Sudan, at least 12 people have been killed by the security forces during the peaceful protests and around 300 have been injured by gunshots.
“I have received disturbing reports of unlawful killings and injuries, including as a result of the use of live ammunition to disperse protesters, and beating of protesters by military and security personnel,” said Clément Voule UN Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and association in a statement released on Tuesday
Voule further called on the military authorities to immediately cease its clampdown on peaceful protests and to investigate the allegations of serious human rights violations.
Regardless of the shooting to disperse protesters there are several incidents in the capital and Khartoum state about the killing of civilians by the Rapid Support Forces.
On Tuesday, an RSF militiaman killed two youth with gunshots following an altercation over bread at a bakery in Al-Kidair area of Omdurman.
The UN expert further pointed to the arrest of activists, including journalists, students, human rights defenders and lawyers and expressed concern about raids on civil society organisations and media outlets.
Voule also called to restore the internet and telecommunications services.
He further welcomed the decision by the Human Rights Council to hold a special session on Sudan on 5 November.
“I urge a robust response to ensure protection of human rights through monitoring, reporting and accountability for human rights violations since 25 October 2021, including in the context of peaceful protests,” he said.
(ST)