Statement of Sudan at the May 15 Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Justice
As stated in the report (S/2017/249) of the Secretary-General, many positive legislative and executive steps have taken place in the Sudan recently. They are clearly and strongly related to combating violence against women and to fighting sexual and gender-based violence in conflict. They aim it particular at promoting the rule of law and the administration of justice through important steps in the implementation of resolution 1888 (2009). Hence, the mandate and terms of reference of the Attorney-General have been fully separated from the Ministry of Justice to ensure complete independence, confirming the judicial role of the Attorney-General. Furthermore, last year the National Council amended the penal code in order to confer new powers on the Attorney-General. The Sudanese penal code directly and clearly condemns the crime of rape. Furthermore, there has been an addition to define the crime of sexual harassment. The Attorney-General of the Special Criminal Court on the Events in Darfur also now includes the crime of rape.
The Government’s armed forces, like those of all States in the world, are charged with fighting to restore the rule of law against armed groups acting under mere political slogans. In this regard, we need not delve into the perspective and practice of international law in relation to outlaw groups. However, reports of our Government forces’ involvement of in the crimes we are considering here do not meet even the lowest level of evidentiary legitimacy.
PK
Since they were established in the last century, the Sudanese Armed Forces have been very professional. They have fulfilled their duties with respect to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), working to protect the Mission’s members and equipment. In addition, numerous reports of the Secretary-General reports have borne witness to the fact that our forces have pursued and captured perpetrators of attacks against UNAMID. My country believes that the treatment of this subject requires a careful comprehensive review of the pillars of peacekeeping as it is an essential component of combating these heinous crimes. We also see a need for preventive diplomacy and for confronting the root causes of conflict. In most African conflicts, underdevelopment with all its economic, social and humanitarian consequences is often at the root of conflict. We also see a need to promote the role and status of women and to build capacity in States.
Participation
My delegation stresses that the Sudan is committed to making every possible effort to protect and promote women, particularly in areas of conflict.
Implementation
My delegation condemns all forms of sexual violence against women or the use thereof as a tool of war or terror. The international community must join its efforts in order to confront this heinous crime and its root causes, and to prevent the trafficking in women and girls. As the Sudan is a transit country for this kind of crime, a law against human trafficking was drafted and adopted in 2014. In addition, a conference was held in my country on trafficking in Eastern Africa, at which the Khartoum declaration was issued and agreements were signed between the Sudan and a number of neighbouring countries to confront the groups that are violating human rights, particularly those of such vulnerable groups as women and children.
That commitment was demonstrated in a number of efforts that bore fruit in the adoption and implementation of a number of national strategies and plans. An independent commission on human rights was created, based on the Paris Principles and with particular attention given to the situation of women in camps for internally displaced persons. That was done in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme and the human rights division of the United Nations country team in the Sudan. Finally, in that vein, the Sudan has been committed to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security.