Sudan Reaffirms Commitment to Social Protection and Human Rights

Khartoum: Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare Mo'tasem Ahmed Saleh reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening social protection and safeguarding human rights as he addressed the opening session of the first workshop on preparing Sudan's fourth national report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.According to Sudan News Agency, the workshop, held in Khartoum, focuses on reviewing progress in implementing the recommendations issued during Sudan's third UPR cycle, particularly in the social sector. Saleh welcomed the participants, stressing that the workshop is being held at a critical stage in Sudan's history and represents an important national step toward preparing the country's fourth UPR report.He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Justice, represented by the National Human Rights Mechanism, as well as the ministerial committee responsible for preparing the report, commending their role in leading and coordinating the national process. He said the report sho uld reflect the efforts made by state institutions despite the exceptional circumstances resulting from the war.The minister acknowledged the significant challenges facing Sudan, but said the country could overcome its difficulties and achieve stability and development through national determination and the support of friendly and brotherly countries. He emphasized that his ministry continues to work to promote economic and social rights, with particular emphasis on the right to social protection and on supporting the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and older people, through the ministry's institutions and mechanisms and in partnership with relevant stakeholders.Saleh stressed that implementation of the UPR recommendations must be assessed against Sudan's current national circumstances, objectively reflecting both achievements and areas where implementation has not been possible. He said the report should also explain the reasons and challenges involved and do cument initiatives and efforts carried out in partnership with national institutions and other partners.The minister said his ministry had issued Administrative Decision No. 10 of 2026 on preparing a unified report on implementation of the recommendations and contributing to Sudan's fourth national UPR report. The decision aims to unify the efforts of the ministry's various directorates, improve documentation and monitoring, and ensure greater consistency in its contribution to the national report.He added that, as part of broader government efforts to support reconstruction and voluntary return, the ministry continues to work through the ministerial committee responsible for monitoring voluntary return. The committee's plan includes policies, procedures, and measures aimed at creating conditions conducive to return, promoting stability, and supporting communities affected by the war, in line with the principles of social protection and economic, social and cultural rights.Concluding his remarks, Saleh renewed his ministry's commitment to implementing the recommendations and outcomes falling within its mandate in the areas of human rights and social protection, while strengthening mechanisms for monitoring and coordination in ways that serve Sudanese citizens and safeguard their dignity and rights. He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the National Human Rights Mechanism, the ministerial committee, the ministry's working team, participants, and partners, expressing hope that the workshop would produce practical and realistic recommendations to advance human rights and social protection in Sudan.