Russia, China, Venezuela Reject UNHCR Resolution on Sudan
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Al Mayadeen correspondent in Geneva reports that Russia, China, and Venezuela see that western intervention in Sudan led to the ongoing crisis.
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A Sudanese soldier joins protestors shouting slogans and waving national flags during a protest outside the army complex in the capital Khartoum on April 18, 2019 (Credit: AFP)
The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a western-drafted resolution that condemns the Sudanese Transitional Military Council's "takeover" and calls for the reinstatement of the civilian government, Al Mayadeen correspondent reported.
Russia, China, and Venezuela disassociated themselves from the initiative, citing the adverse impact of western interventions on the current course of affairs.
"Russia, China, and Venezuela see that the western intervention in Sudanese affairs led to the ongoing crisis in the first place," our correspondent added.
The October 25 coup in Sudan is 'very concerning,' UN Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet said.
She urged Sudan's military leaders and their backers to "step back in order to allow the country to return to the path of progress towards institutional and legal reform."
Bachelet's words came during a special UNHCR session held in Geneva to discuss a resolution presented by the UK, Germany, Norway, and the US that condemns the coup and demands an immediate restoration of the civilian-led transitional government under Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok.
The four western states condemned a series of "human rights violations", such as opening fire against protestors, which reportedly led to at least 13 civilians being killed by military and security forces and more than 300 injured.
The resolution also urges the member states to call for the release of those who are still detained, in order to establish dialogue and return to civilian rule.
"This disproportionate and deadly use of force by the Sudan Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and other security forces – including military police and intelligence elements – must end immediately," Bachelet asserted.
"Those responsible for these and other human rights violations must be held fully accountable for their actions."
No Sudanese representatives commented during the session, the UN body said, although two were present: the Sudanese permanent representative and his deputy.
