Publications

This briefing note summarises the main elements of the UK global human rights (‘GHR’) sanctions regime, which was introduced on 6 July 2020, and authorises the imposition of financial and immigration sanctions on individuals in order to deter and provide accountability for involvement in certain serious human rights violations.

In a joint letter to the Sudanese transitional government, over 20 civil society organisations urged the government to promptly ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances (ICPPED).

REDRESS and over 20 other Afghan, Australian and international human rights organisations wrote to the Assistant Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, Major General Justice Paul Brereton, urging him to commit to releasing the report of the Inquiry into allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL) by Australian special forces in Afghanistan.

This Report examines the extent to which the specialised units within the EU that investigate and prosecute serious international crimes uphold EU standards on victims’ rights. It is based on research conducted between 2019 and 2020, including approximately 140 interviews with practitioners and policy makers in five Member States—Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. The Report includes five country chapters that examine the law and practice in these countries as well as an analysis of common challenges and emerging best practices. It provides a roadmap for improving victims’ access to information, protection and support.

This briefing was prepared by Protection Approaches, Waging Peace and REDRESS ahead of a debate on a Westminster Hall debate on October 15th on the June massacres in Sudan and the UK’s support for Sudan’s democratic transition. Our briefing highlights how at a critical moment in Sudan's transition towards democracy, the risk of violence and atrocities remain high. This presents an important opportunity for the UK to reprise its role as Sudan's "critical friend” to support an inclusive and sustainable transition process for Sudan.

In this letter, REDRESS and 9 other civil society organisations welcome a number of improvements made in the March 2020 version of the Draft Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of the Crime of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes (MLA Draft Convention).

Ahead of the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council, and at a critical juncture for Sudan, 23 civil society organisations have written to the Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council to highlight the need for their delegations to support the Council’s ongoing contribution to systemic human rights reforms in the country. As Sudan’s political transition remains fragile, the Council has a responsibility to both support national authorities and actors and maintain the monitoring and public reporting capacity of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).