A/HRC/45/53/Add.1 15. At the initiative of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Sudan Partnership Conference was convened on 25 June 2020, with a remarkable participation of partners from states and international organizations including the UN. The conference was an important step towards reintegration of the country into the international community. It provides necessary political and economic support to Sudan to overcome the challenges of the transitional period. Sudan wishes to reiterate its thanks and appreciation to all the partners that have participated in the Conference. 16. In accordance with measures and policies proposed by the World Health Organization, Sudan declared Public Health Emergency in March 2020, in response to COVID-19 pandemic, including border closures, and intensified measures to combat the spread of the pandemic. 17. Despite the fact that Sudan has been cooperative in the field of combating terrorism, Sudan remains on the list of countries sponsoring terrorism, a matter that hinders foreign investments in the country. In this respect, negotiations are under way to remove Sudan from that list. Legal reforms and ratification of international instruments: 18. Sudan is committed to carrying out legal reforms, rebuilding and developing the legal system, ensuring the independence of the Judiciary and Attorney General. 19. The Attorney General formed committees to investigate all crimes committed in Darfur. 20. Regarding the international Human Rights instruments, the Sudan has made several laws amendments and reforms by enacting legislations, such as, The Miscellaneous Amendments Act 2020. 21. With regard to the protection of women's rights, the Public Order Law has been repealed. Amendments to the Criminal Act 1991, including criminalization of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), were introduced. Also, Death Penalty shall not be executed on Pregnant Women. 22. In accordance with UNSC resolution number 1325, the National Plan for Women, Peace and Security has been adopted. 23. With reference to paragraph (27) of the IE report, the Government affirms its commitment to reinforce the tasks of the transitional period, in accordance with Article 5/8 of the Constitutional Document. In this context, the Legal Reform Commission Act 2020 has been adopted. 24. Regarding immunities, the Constitutional Document stipulates that all persons, institutions, officials and civil society organizations are subject to the rule of law and accountability. (a) The process of acceding to the following HRs instruments is under way: - The Convention Against All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. (b) Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. (c) The Convention for the Protection of Persons from Forced Disappearance. (d) The Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. (e) The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). (f) 4 The Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights.