Monaco takes part in the Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council to address the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan

S.E. Mme Carole LANTERI ©DR

On 11 May 2023, a delegation from Monaco took part in the Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, devoted to the impact on Human Rights of the conflict in Sudan.

This meeting was convened per an official request submitted by the United Kingdom delegation, supported by several member countries and observers of the Council, including the Principality, in the context of the escalating violence seen in Sudan since 15 April 2023. 

During the meeting, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker TÜRK, described a very worrying situation, noting in particular that since 15 April over 480 civilians have been killed, over 150,000 have fled the country and around 700,000 have become internally displaced. Many delegations have also pointed out that the food insecurity already prevalent in this country risks being exacerbated.

The Principality, through Her Excellency Carole LANTERI, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva, strongly condemned the Human rights violations committed in Sudan and expressed its concern for the rapid deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the country over recent weeks.

She also called upon all parties concerned to bring the violence to an end and seek a negotiated political solution, to re-engage the process of democratic transition.

Finally, H.E. Carole LANTERI insisted on the need to return to conditions that would allow immediate and free access for humanitarian aid to the people affected, to ensure that Human rights are respected.

A resolution co-sponsored by the Principality was adopted by the Council at this Special Session, following a vote. The resolution focussed in particular on extending the scope of the mandate of the designated Expert on the Human rights situation in Sudan, which will enable the Council to have access to detailed, documentary reports on the violations committed in Sudan and to maintain its monitoring activities.

It should be remembered that the Human Rights Council, a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly, is the principal multilateral forum responsible for promoting and protecting Human rights. The Principality is an observer member.

Lors de cette Session Extraordinaire, une résolution, co-parrainée par la Principauté, a été adoptée par le Conseil à l’issue d’un vote. Celle-ci décide notamment d’étendre la portée du mandat de l’Expert désigné sur la situation des droits de l’Homme au Soudan, ce qui permettra au Conseil de disposer de rapports détaillés et documentés quant aux violations commises au Soudan et de maintenir sa surveillance.

Pour mémoire, le Conseil des droits de l’Homme, organe subsidiaire de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies, est la principale enceinte multilatérale en charge de la promotion et de la protection des droits de l’Homme. La Principauté en est un membre observateur.