US sanctions Sudan security forces for serious human rights abuses
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The United States announced on Monday that it is imposing sanctions on Sudan’s Central Reserve Police (CRP) for serious human rights abuses committed during protests calling for democracy.
A press statement issued by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US is taking this step "to hold to account those perpetrating abuses and to deter future violence".
"The CRP, a militarised police unit involved in multiple violent responses to peaceful protestors, is being sanctioned today for using excessive force, including lethal force, against demonstrators protesting the military takeover," Mr Blinken said.
The US said on 17 January, CRP officers used live ammunition against protesters, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.
It said this incident is one of many since the 25 October, 2021, military takeover after which Sudanese security forces have reportedly used lethal violence against protesters or violated or abused human rights.
The US said reports of rape, killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions, among other abuses committed by CRP officers as recently as 14 March, are ongoing.
"Reports that CRP officers raped and committed other acts of sexual abuse against female protesters – notably on December 21 and 22, as well as on March 14 – are particularly egregious. These actions are unacceptable and contrary to the Sudanese people’s desire for freedom, peace, and justice in their country. All abuses against protesters by CRP officers must be stopped," Mr Blinken said.
The US stressed its continued full support for the collaborative efforts of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union, and the sub-regional grouping, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to facilitate a Sudanese-led political process to restore a civilian-led transition to democracy.
"In order for this process to be effective, the military and security services need to create an environment where all actors can safely participate in negotiations," Mr Blinken said.
He called for an immediate end to unjust detentions of civil society activists, politicians, journalists, cultural figures, and humanitarian workers; closure of media outlets; continued violence against peaceful protesters including sexual violence and attacks on medical facilities; and communications blackouts.
Mr Blinken said the US's action demonstrates that it States continues to use the tools at its disposal to stop the violence and press for a restoration of Sudan’s democratic transition.
He said these sanctions, which include asset freeze, build upon the United States’ previous actions towards these goals, including pausing and redirecting assistance that would have benefited the Government of Sudan.
Mr. Blinken said the reversal of that decision would be considered with Sudan’s progress toward and accomplishment of a civilian-led transition to democracy.
-0- PANA MA 21March2022
