UN report: Democratic reforms, improved human rights needed in Sudan

Democratic reforms that protect and promote human rights in Sudan are among the principle recommendations of the preliminary report of a United Nations independent expert who concluded an 11-day visit to the country, Relief Web reported yesterday.

In a report published from Geneva on the United Nations, Human Rights website, Dr Aristide Nononsi said the Sudanese government needed to better protect freedoms of religion, improve freedoms of the press and make amendments to laws governing non-government organisations (NGOs).

The UN expert singled out Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) for criticism:

I am of the view that bringing the powers of the National Intelligence and Security Service in line with international standards – a governmental body operating as an intelligence agency focused on information gathering, analysis and advice to the government – will help improve the human rights environment in the Sudan.

During the visit, the UN human rights expert met with Sudanese authorities, civil society actors, academia, community leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and UN missions in Khartoum and the Blue Nile.

Read: Independent human rights expert arrives in Sudan

The complete findings and recommendations are due to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2017.