Sudan: Speech on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the EP Plenary

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Madame President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

The European Union has strongly supported Sudan's democratic transition from the onset, both through our political engagement as well as our economic support.

We have vigorously condemned the 25^th October military coup, the ensuing violence and the serious human rights violations by the military since then.

So far, more than 70 protestors have died, while hundreds have been injured or arbitrarily detained. The demand by the majority of the Sudanese people, not to return to military rule, should be answered by political propositions and no by the brutal use of force. The intimidation and the killings of protesters, are totally unacceptable, and are the wrong answer to the Sudanese people's demands for freedom and democracy.

We call upon the military authorities to make their utmost efforts to de-escalate tensions. Avoiding further loss of life is of the essence.

The European Union also expressed worry about the detention of journalists. The freedom of expression, the access to information and the ability to communicate are part of basic freedoms and universal human rights. It is essential that Sudanese citizens are able to exercise freedom of association, including the right to peacefully protest.

The European Union strongly condemns the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon to drive women away from demonstrations and to silence their voices. We call on the Sudanese authorities to fully investigate this and all other forms of violence and bring the perpetrators to justice.

We will keep monitoring developments in Sudan, calling the authorities to account when they do not respect fundamental rights. In this regard, the UN High Commissioner [for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet] designation of Adama Dieng as expert on human rights in Sudan is key.

We would also like to highlight the high degree of inter-communal violence still going on in Darfur, which is very worrying.

Lastly, we are also engaging with the ongoing UN initiative to find a way out of the crisis and ready to play a larger role in this process if needed.

The European Union has supported the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people from the start and we will do so in the future with all means at its disposal.

Thank you.

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