UN Human Rights Council adopts resolution on Sudan

GENEVA, June 18 (KUNA) — The UN Human Rights Council adopted among other re solutions a resolution on the Sudan presented by Egypt on behalf of the African group which acknowledged the progress made in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the steps taken by the Government of National Unity to strengthen the human rights legal and institutional framework.
The resolution adopted by 20 votes, 9 abstentions and 18 against, urged the Government of the Sudan to intensify these efforts.
In addition the resolution also acknowledged the decision of the Government of National Unity to hold general elections in February 2010, in accordance with the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and expressed its hope that the elections will lead to the democratic and peaceful devolution of power.
Among other provisions, the resolution stressed the primary responsibility of the Government of National Unity to protect all its citizens. The resolution recalled that the Darfur Peace Agreement stipulates the principles of enhancing accountability and preventing impunity.
In addition, the resolution welcomed the invitation of the Government of National Unity to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit the country.
The resolution decided to create the mandate of independent expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan for a period of one year, and requests the independent expert to engage with the newly created human rights forums in the Sudan as well as the human rights sections of the African Union, the United Nations Mission in the Sudan and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur and to submit a report to the Council for consideration at its fourteenth session, and requests the Secretary-General to provide the independent expert with all necessary assistance to discharge the mandate fully. (end) hn.ajs KUNA 181919 Jun 09NNNN