The European Union, Canada, Korea and the United States denounced on Monday the human rights violations reported in Sudan.
A report by the Human Rights Council on its 49th session indicated that the countries condemned the “sustained attempts to unduly limit freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
They raised concerns over attacks against journalists, which pose a severe threat to freedom of expression.
In a statement on Monday, Canada, Norway, Spain, France, Japan, Sweden. Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Korea, the United States, the Netherlands and the EU said that protestors have been met with lethal force, activists arrested, local and foreign journalists detained and threatened, and media outlets raided.
“We have also witnessed an increase in hate speech. The overall effect has been to shrink civic space, increase self-censorship and weaken media independence and pluralism.”
The statement stressed that freedom of expression and a free and diverse media are central to democracy.
“They promote transparency, accountability and meaningful participation, which are fundamental to good governance.”
“A free media informs citizens and lays the foundation for healthy public debate that mediates differences and promotes consensus,” the statement read.
The countries called on the de-facto Sudanese authorities to return to commitments made to defend media freedom, including the safety of journalists, and respect the right to peacefully assemble and express opinions free from intimidation.
They reiterated their support for Sudan, noting that as members of the international community, they are steadfast in their support of the Sudanese people to attain these rights.
