The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Friday expressed concern over the killing of at least nine protesters by Sudanese security forces on Thursday, reported The UN News. Amongst the deceased was a 15-year-old child.
In a statement, Bachelet urged Sudanese authorities to launch an independent investigation into killing of the protesters who had gathered to be a part of a mass protest demanding an end to military rule.
The UN human rights chief said she was alarmed at Thursday’s killings, especially after the Sudanese police had announced they would not use lethal force to disperse the demonstrators.
The total protest-related death toll has hit 113 since the military takeover led by army chief Abdel Fattah al Burhan last October.
Bachelet said no-one has been held accountable for these deaths, pointing to reports indicating that joint security forces used live bullets, tear gas and water cannon against protesters during Thursday’s demonstrations, which marked the third anniversary of the major demonstrations that led to the overthrow of long-term leader, Omar al-Bashir.
The UN rights chief also decried that security forces had arrested at least 355 protesters across the country, including women and children.
She called on the Sudanese authorities to use force only when strictly necessary and that too in full compliance with the principles of legality, necessity, precaution, and proportionality. She said use of lethal force should be a measure of last resort and should be used only in cases where there is an imminent threat to life or of serious injury.
Bachelte highlighted that the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are protected under international law.
“I call on authorities to conduct an independent, transparent, thorough, and impartial investigation into the response by the security forces in accordance with relevant international standards,” she said adding that “Victims, survivors, and their families have a right to truth, justice and reparations.”
