NEW YORK, 07 November 2021, (TON): UN human rights chief said that the military takeover in Sudan is “deeply disturbing” and that the civilian rule should urgently be restored.

Michelle Bachelet was speaking at a special session of the UN Human Rights Council on the implications of the ongoing situation in Sudan following the Oct. 25 coup in the northeastern African country.

This, she said, “recalled a somber page in the country’s history when freedom of expression was stifled, and human rights were comprehensively repressed.”

Bachelet said in Geneva “it betrays the courageous and inspiring revolution of 2019, and contravenes both international human rights law, as well as the country's own constitutional document and other foundational documents of the transition.”

The special request for the session was made by the UK, US, Norway, and Germany, and supported by more than 45 nations which noted the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council to suspend Sudan from participation in all AU activities following the military takeover.

They are calling on the Sudanese military to engage in dialogue with civilian leaders to enable the immediate re-establishment of the transitional government of Sudan.

Nations such as China, Russia, and Venezuela opposed the holding of the session, saying it infringed on Sudan’s sovereignty.