UN Human Rights Office to be opened in Sudan

ANKARA

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet signed a deal with Sudan to open a UN Human Rights Office in Khartoum and field offices in Darfur, Blue Nile, Southern Kordofan and East Sudan.

"We have witnessed with admiration the persistence of the women, men and youth in Sudan in asserting their human rights. The road ahead promises to be full of challenges, but we are ready to assist to ensure human rights permeate the transition," Bachelet was quoted as saying in a statement on Wednesday.

Bachelet said with this "milestone agreement", the OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) will offer all its support to make Sudan's transition a success for the human rights of all Sudanese people.

She added the Office seeks to support the transition particularly in four critical areas, such as combatting inequality, legal and institutional reform, transitional justice, and strengthening the opening of democratic and civic space.

Sudan has remained in turmoil since April 11, when the military establishment announced the "removal” of President Omar al-Bashir after months of popular protests against his 30-year rule.

On Aug. 21, Abdalla Hamdok became the first civilian prime minister of Sudan since 1989, when ousted President Omer al-Bashir toppled Mahdi.

The country is being ruled under a power-sharing deal between Sudan's Transitional Military Council and the opposition Forces for Freedom and Change coalition.