Interactive dialogue with Sima Samar, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan

Thank you, Mr. President.
The European Union would like to express its strong support for your mandate and your excellent  work in its fulfilment. The EU welcomes the cooperation established with the Sudanese authorities during your three visits to the country. 
After your visit to Darfur in mid-August, you stressed that there were signs of further deterioration in the critical human rights situation if action was not taken to protect civilians. As we all have witnessed, and as confirmed by the Secretary General and the High Commissioner at the beginning of this Session, these fears have now materialised in a tragic manner. 
We firmly believe that the Human Rights Council, mandated to respond to human rights emergencies, must contribute to the efforts of putting an end to these violations. This Council cannot remain silent at the reports of ongoing attacks and killings of civilians and other atrocities. We would be grateful to hear your assessment of the key measures needed to maximise the protection of victims and to prevent further violations. 
We strongly support your call for an immediate end to impunity, and join you in urging  all parties to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court. Has any progress been made in tackling impunity for gender-based violence? 
The EU further underlines the crucial importance of your recommendations calling for  full implementation of the commitments in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Interim National Constitution.  What measures have been taken to repel the emergency laws that grant the security agencies broad powers to arrest and to restrict freedom of movement, assembly and expression 
We would  like to hear your assessment of the implications of the NGO legislation and other restrictive measures, as well as the security situation, to the activities of local and international civil society 
To conclude, the EU would again like to express its appreciation to the Sudanese authorities in facilitating your visits, and stresses the importance of enhancing the cooperation in the implementation of your recommendations. 
Thank you, Mr. President.