A/HRC/15/57 1.6.2 Remove restrictions in the National Press Laws that can be used to threaten the work and independence of journalists acting as human rights defenders and bring them into line with the Interim Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other applicable international standards. Short-term • Reformed in accordance with the Interim Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other applicable international standards The Press and Printed Materials Act were passed on 8 June 2009. The new Act provides among other things for no restrictions to be imposed on press publications unless prescribed by law to protect national security, public order and health. It also allows for the right of access to information in accordance with the law. It also sets up a National Press Council in which journalists form the majority of members. Significant activities were undertaken and implementation is in process. In September 2009, the President of the Republic issued a decree lifting pre-censorship of the print media. Response of the Government of Sudan The Government makes reference to the passage of the 2009 Press and Printed Materials Act and cites many provisions under the Act which ensure press freedom 2. 2.1 Humanitarian access Protection of humanitarian workers from harassment and attack 2.1.1 Publicly express support for the role of humanitarian workers in providing lifesaving assistance to populations at risk. Short-term • Public declaration made; no subsequent retraction No public declaration was made during the reporting period. The Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) has continued to grant licences to new NGOs both Sudanese and non-Sudanese. Response of the Government of Sudan The Government mentions the inauguration of the Annual Volunteers day in 2007 and a speech made by the President of Sudan commending the work of volunteers in Sudan 32 Some activities were undertaken but little or no impact has been reported from the ground.