Rights group Human Rights Watch has put the death toll at 40, including children and medical staff. “I am very concerned about reports of excessive use of force, including live ammunition, by Sudanese State Security Forces during large-scale demonstrations in various parts of the country since 19 December,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. Authorities have also confirmed that at least 816 people were arrested in connection with the demonstrations as of January 6, the rights office pointed out, citing reports that journalists, opposition leaders and activists were among those arrested. “The government needs to ensure that security forces handle protests in line with the country’s international human rights obligations by facilitating and protecting the right to peaceful assembly,” Bachelet said. She called on the government to ensure the immediate release of all those who had been arbitrarily detained.

Source: The Guardian January 17, 2019 12:11 UTC