Countries to Request Urgent Session on Sudan at Human Rights Council

A document revealed today, Friday, that a group of countries led by four Western nations is expected to request an urgent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding the Sudanese crisis next week. This action is hoped by human rights activists to increase scrutiny on the abuses by both warring parties. The letter, dated May 5, indicates that Britain, the United States, Germany, and Norway are expected to ask the council's president to convene a meeting to discuss the outbreak of violence in Sudan since April 15. A spokesperson for the United Nations noted that the organization has not yet received the letter. Diplomats told Reuters that they have garnered support from at least one-third of the council's 47 member states, as per the council's rules. Last week, a coalition of more than 90 non-governmental organizations sent an open letter calling for the special session. It has not yet been determined whether the members will request the opening of an official investigation into the alleged human rights violations in Sudan, which include the killing of hundreds of civilians and attacks on hospitals.