On 17 June 2015, the Sudan National Commission for Human Rights, in collaboration with UNAMID's Human Rights Section (HRS) organized a training workshop on engaging stakeholders in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism in Khartoum.

A total of 26 participants comprised with 9 female from the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), the Advisory Council for Human Rights (ACHR) and civil society organizations took part in the day-long event. 

This workshop was a continuation of previous similar forums which took place in November 2014 and January 2015. The November workshop was based on a general framework of international human rights mechanisms while the January workshop focused on the UPR specifically. 

Following requests from the participants, the NHCR and UNAMID have agreed to provide technical support to the AHCR and civil society organizations in the drafting of reports for the upcoming UPR for Sudan in May 2016. A 100-day programme has been launched to support the drafting of stakeholder reports by September 2015. Additionally, during this period three workshops and meetings on thematic issues will be arranged to facilitate timely report submission from the involved parties.

The workshop included a review of specific thematic issues discussed in earlier workshops before participants arrived at proposals for the upcoming two months. Mr. Joseph Suleiman, Ag head of NCHR, expressed his thanks to the Mission for its contributions.

On his part, Mr. Ahmed Hassan, Head, UNAMID’s Khartoum Liaison Office, congratulated participants for their active involvement in the forum and emphasized the need for developing authentic reports for the next UPR cycle, while assuring everyone present of the Mission’s support.

The next workshop on the same is scheduled for 17-18 August 2015.