A/RES/52/140
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Also recalling its resolution 51/112 of 12 December 1996, and taking note of Commission on Human
Rights resolution 1997/59 of 15 April 1997,5
Noting with deep concern the human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law
outlined in resolution 1997/59, including the aerial bombardment of civilians, slavery, slave trade,
extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detentions without due process, enforced or involuntary
disappearances, violations of the rights of women and children, forced displacement of persons, systematic
torture and denial of the freedoms of religion, expression, association and peaceful assembly,
Expressing serious concern about continuing reports of religious persecution, including forced
conversion of Christians and animists in Government-controlled areas of the Sudan,
Welcoming the visit to the Sudan by the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights
on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief,6
Especially concerned about the continuing reports of the abuse of children, including slavery, sexual
abuse, forced conversion and the use of children as soldiers, despite repeated calls from the international
community to put an end to this practice, as described in the interim report of the Special Rapporteur of
the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Sudan,7
Deeply concerned about policies, practices and activities which are directed against and particularly
violate the human rights of women and girls, and noting the continuation of such practices, including civil
and judicial discrimination against women, as reported by the Special Rapporteur,
Gravely concerned about reports that those practices have frequently been carried out by agents under
government authority or have taken place with the knowledge of the Government of the Sudan,
Taking note of efforts reported by the Government of the Sudan to investigate such activities and
practices, as well as measures proposed to eliminate verified instances of them, as urged in previous
General Assembly resolutions,
Welcoming new practices regarding street children, which centre on rehabilitation and family
reunification and the increasing involvement of the United Nations Children's Fund in projects with the
Government of the Sudan,
Also welcoming the invitation extended by the Government of the Sudan to the Special Rapporteur
of the Commission on Human Rights on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion
and expression and to the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery of the Subcommission on
Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities of the Commission on Human Rights, and
urging that the visit to the Sudan by the Special Rapporteur take place as soon as possible,
5
See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1997, Supplement No. 3 (E/1997/23),
chap. II, sect. A.
6
See A/52/477, annex and A/52/477/Add.1, annex.
7
A/52/510, annex.
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