First Preparatory Workshop Launched for Sudan’s Fourth National Report under the Universal Periodic Review
The first preparatory workshop on strengthening the role of the National Reporting Mechanism through the preparation of Sudan’s Fourth National Report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was held at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office in Khartoum.
The workshop was attended by the Country Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Sudan, the Rapporteur of the National Human Rights Mechanism and Head of the Legal Sector, Yasser Sayed Ahmed, members of the committee established under the Minister of Justice’s Decision No. (40) of 2026, as well as a number of experts and specialists.
Addressing the workshop on behalf of the Minister of Justice and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Mechanism, Rapporteur Yasser Sayed Ahmed welcomed the participants, describing the workshop as the official starting point for preparing Sudan’s Fourth National Report, which is scheduled to be submitted to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
He explained that the Universal Periodic Review is an interactive dialogue and peer-review process primarily aimed at improving the human rights situation on the ground, safeguarding human dignity, and supporting States in fulfilling their human rights obligations.
He emphasized that Sudan’s commitment to human rights stems from a genuine national will and sincere determination to promote and protect human rights. He noted that the committee’s establishment reflects the importance of concerted national efforts, stressing that the report preparation process is a comprehensive and participatory national undertaking.
The Rapporteur also praised the strategic partnership between the National Human Rights Mechanism and the OHCHR Country Office in Sudan, noting that this cooperation is fully consistent with the Office’s mandate under the agreement signed with the Government of Sudan. He added that the workshop aims to facilitate dialogue, exchange views, and enhance understanding of the Universal Periodic Review process.
In his closing remarks, he thanked the OHCHR Country Office for its constructive cooperation and expressed hope that the workshop would produce a clear roadmap outlining the committee’s work plan and expand consultations to include states and key sectors involved in promoting and protecting human rights.
For his part, the representative of the OHCHR Country Office commended the efforts of the National Human Rights Mechanism and reaffirmed the Office’s support in preparing the report. He explained that the Universal Periodic Review process is based on three reports, noting that the last workshop on the UPR was held before the war, making this the first workshop on the subject since the conflict began.