Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 11 March 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 March 2019 (named day). It was answered by Harriett Baldwin (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 March 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sudan: Human Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Sudanese counterpart on human rights in that country, and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I spoke to Sudanese Foreign Minister Dirdiri on 23 January and 13 March to express the strength of our ongoing concern at the use of violence, the decision to declare a state of emergency and to urge the government to respect the rights of the Sudanese people. In addition, I raised our concern regarding the response to protests in Sudan, including the use of lethal force, with the Sudanese Foreign Minister and emphasised the importance of respect for the rule of law and for human rights. Most recently the Sudanese ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office on 7 March to register the depth of our ongoing concern at recent declarations which further erode human rights. We remain deeply concern at the human rights implication of the Government of Sudan's response to protests. We continue to monitor the situation and consider the best means to support human rights improvements in Sudan, including through official engagement, public messaging, and international fora.

Secondary information