The United NationsHuman Rights Office, OHCHR, on Tuesday, called out Sudanese authorities to immediately stop unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against protesters, reported UN News. The UN body called for those responsible for abuses to be brought to justice.
“We repeat our call on the Sudanese authorities to immediately cease the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force – including the use of live ammunition – against peaceful protesters”, said OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, speaking in Geneva.
Shamdasani said the use of live ammunition against protesters is only permissible as a measure of last resort in case of an imminent threat to life or of serious injury. She said the authorities must undergo thorough, prompt, independent investigations as they have a duty to ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations are brought to justice.
The OHCHR spokesperson said the human rights situation in Sudan is of serious concern as peaceful protestors are getting killed or injured on a near-daily basis, and there is an intensifying clampdown on critics and independent journalists.
She cited statistics that show 71 people have been killed, and more than 2,200 injured by security forces during protests so far that have continued since the 25 October military coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The coup ended a power-sharing arrangement that began after the ousting of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir amid a popular uprising in April 2019. The turmoil has compounded by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s resignation earlier this month.
On Monday, seven people were killed, and dozens injured, when security forces brutally dispersed demonstrators in the capital, Khartoum.
According to the OHCHR, Sudanese security forces have been breaking into the homes of protesters, and even entering hospitals to arrest wounded protesters. Assaults against healthcare workers and facilities have also been reported.
Sudan’s pro-democracy movement has slammed the use of force and called for a civil disobedience campaign.
