A/HRC/39/71 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 36/26, the Human Rights Council decided to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan for a period of one year and requested him to present a report on the implementation of his mandate, including recommendations on technical assistance and capacity-building, for consideration at its thirty-ninth session. 2. The present report covers the period from 28 September 2017 to 30 June 2018. In compliance with the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate Holders of the Human Rights Council, a draft report was shared with the Government of the Sudan in order to provide it with an opportunity to comment on the observations and findings of the Independent Expert. 3. The report is based on information made available to the Independent Expert during his visit to the Sudan, as well as on information provided by the Government of the Sudan, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and other sources, including civil society organizations, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes working in the Sudan, as well as the donor community. 4. The Independent Expert expresses his gratitude to the Government of the Sudan for its invitation and cooperation, to the Office of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Khartoum and to UNAMID for supporting and facilitating his mission to the country. He also thanks the donor community and civil society organizations for their important work in promoting and protecting human rights in the country. 5. He also thanks all other organizations, groups and individuals who provided assistance and shared information with him during the period under review. II. Methodology and engagement 6. The Independent Expert undertook one visit to the Sudan during the reporting period, from 13 to 23 April 2018, and visited Khartoum and Darfur. 7. In Khartoum, the Independent Expert held wide-ranging discussions with senior government officials, including the State Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of the National Assembly, with officials in the Ministry of Justice and specialized government units and agencies, and with members of the Legislative Committee of the National Assembly. He interacted with the Chief Justice and high-ranking members of the judiciary, and had an exchange with the Acting Attorney General. He also had frank and fruitful discussions with the newly appointed Director of the Legal Department of the National Intelligence and Security Service. He was informed of recent developments in the situation of human rights in the country by the Rapporteur and members of the Advisory Council for Human Rights. He also met the new leadership of the Sudan National Commission for Human Rights, the leadership of the Humanitarian Aid Commission, the Chair and members of the Sudan Bar Association and the Chair and members of the National Press Council. He also met with representatives of civil society organizations, human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations and abuses, some of whom shared their personal experiences with him. He met with members of the diplomatic community and representatives of the United Nations country team. 8. In North Darfur, the Independent Expert met with the Governor of the State of North Darfur, members of the judiciary, including the Special Prosecutor for crimes committed in Darfur, the Regional Representative of the Sudan National Commission for Human Rights, officials of UNAMID and United Nations agencies in North Darfur, and civil society organizations. He also visited Shallah Federal Prison. 3