On Saturday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed his concern about the current tense situation in Sudan.
The United Nations Human Rights Office said – in a statement – that Türk "renewed his appeal to all parties to set aside entrenched positions and personal interests, and focus on the common interests of the Sudanese people by redoubling efforts to restore a civilian-led government."
"As I said during my visit to Sudan last November, the country is at a critical juncture. Much work has been done, and many positive steps have been taken to sign a final agreement. All efforts must now be made to put the political transition back on track," he added.
Türk also urged all parties to work together to remove obstacles to security sector reform and avoid any further delay in signing the political agreement.
He called on the authorities and all parties in Sudan to take measures to calm tensions and refrain from violence.
"I have witnessed for myself the strong and astonishing determination of the people of Sudan, especially the young men and women, to stand up for human rights, and to support an inclusive government with civilian leadership, accountability and justice," he added.
"I urge the authorities to ensure full respect for people's right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to issue clear instructions to the security forces to respond to demonstrations in line with human rights laws and standards," he said.
The UN commissioner stressed the necessity of "not repeating the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force."
Last December, a framework agreement was concluded in Sudan between civilian leaders and the army as a first step towards restoring a civilian-led government.
A final political agreement was supposed to be signed in early April, but it was then postponed until the 6th of the same month. The signing was postponed again last Thursday (April 6), without setting a new date.
Last Wednesday, the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change announced the postponement of signing the agreement due to the failure to resolve differences over the integration of the Rapid Support Forces into the Sudanese army.
