Human Rights Council
Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Eleventh session
Geneva, 2–13 May 2011
Part I
Introduction
1. This report provides a description of the human rights situation in the Sudan, in accordance with paragraph 5 (e) of United Nations General Assembly resolution 60/251 establishing the Human Rights Council, adopted on 15 March 2006, and the general guidelines set forth in Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007.
2. The Government of the Sudan first of all affirms its sincere desire to comply and cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the universal periodic review mechanism inasmuch as it is a tool aimed at guaranteeing the promotion and protection of human rights, guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and the elimination of politicization, with a view to enhancing and defending human rights on the basis of the principles of cooperation and genuine dialogue. Also taken into account is the fact that these rights, as acknowledged by the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, are “universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated”. The universal periodic review mechanism is furthermore a strategic option aimed at the protection of human rights, which entails the rejection of any form of exploitation for political, ideological or economic ends.
3. The process of preparing this report provided a unique opportunity for all participants to make their own assessment of the many initiatives undertaken by the State since its foundation in 1975, the year of its proclamation of national independence, to fulfil its obligations with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights.
4. In this report, we present an overview of the key aspects of progress achieved in the area of promoting and protecting human rights in the Sudan, exemplified in the efforts of the State at the legislative, judicial and executive levels to protect human rights at a time when the Sudan faces a host of constantly emerging challenges and difficulties. It nonetheless remains undiminished in its will to pursue resolutely the advancement of human rights and the development of cooperation with all national, regional and international actors by enacting legislation and adopting measures and initiatives, taking into consideration the possible outcome of the referendum on self-determination for Southern Sudan.