A/HRC/18/16 6. The delegation stressed that its presence at the UPR was in itself recognition of the importance given to improving the situation of human rights, in cooperation with United Nations and regional mechanisms, to implement its treaty obligations together with both UNMIS and the African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID). 7. Sudan is convinced that human rights can only be achieved in an atmosphere of security, tranquility, peace and democracy; therefore the establishment of peace through negotiation and dialogue in all parts of the country was an urgent priority. The CPA signed in January 2005 opened up opportunities for the transition to peace and prosperity. It also contained provisions for the protection and promotion of human rights. 8. The CPA envisaged a referendum on self-determination for Southern Sudan at the end of the transitional period in January 2011. The Government of Sudan kept its promise and conducted the referendum in a timely manner. This constituted a milestone in the history of Sudan, resulting in the establishment of a new independent state following the transitional period. The Government of Sudan accepted and formally recognized this result, as it is convinced that it represents the will of the people of Southern Sudan expressed in a free, fair and transparent manner. 9. The delegation noted that popular consultation had been completed by the provinces of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, which now enjoy security, stability and development. 10. The delegation underlined that the process in Sudan would be incomplete without a just and lasting solution to the problem of Darfur. Negotiations have been ongoing in Doha, since the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) (also known as the Abuja Agreement) in Abuja in 2006. The absence of a number of factions required that there be another platform to negotiate in Doha, and for the success of the negotiations, in 2010, the Government of Sudan signed framework agreements for a ceasefire and peace with both the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM). The mediator had submitted the final draft beforehand in order to obtain feedback from the negotiating parties so as to narrow the gap leading to the signing of the final agreement. 11. The delegation said that Sudan had formulated a new strategy for peace, security and development aimed primarily at alleviating the suffering of those affected by the crisis, restore the normal situation, the voluntary return of displaced persons and refugees, harmony and tribal reconciliation, consolidation of justice and equity, and a climate to achieve comprehensive peace through negotiations. This strategy led to the voluntary return of displaced people in numbers exceeding expectation. The Government of Sudan allocated 1.9 billion dollars to the implementation of the strategy for development programs in education, health and clean drinking water, roads and infrastructures. However, the strategy is not intended to replace the negotiations in Doha. The delegation called on the international community to support the efforts of the Government and other efforts to resolve the crisis through a final settlement. 12. In the area of applying justice and the rule of law in Darfur, the Office of the Attorney General for Darfur crimes has been restructured to undertake investigations of all the crimes that have occurred in the region since 2003. The Government has also succeeded in repairing the social fabric through support of tribal reconciliation initiatives and the signing of a number of charters of peaceful coexistence between the tribes of the three states of Darfur. The Government envisioned putting into practice the rules and mechanisms of transitional justice following the accomplishment of full peace in Darfur. 13. The delegation stated that legislative reform was an ongoing process. The Government had recently approved amendments to a number of existing national laws as well as envisaged new legislation in some areas designed to fulfill the obligations of Sudan under international human rights treaties. It noted that there was a standing committee in the Ministry of Justice charged with legislation review. 4