A/HRC/45/53 arrested, beaten and deprived of their rights to freedom of association and expression. Another significant step taken on 9 July 2020 marked a historic improvement in women’s rights and the combating of discrimination against them in the Sudan. The Joint Council endorsed the Miscellaneous Amendments Act with a series of revisions to discriminatory provisions contained in the Criminal Code of 1991, including criminalizing female genital mutilation (art. 141); introducing life imprisonment for rape (art. 149); deleting the offence of “immodest attire” that has been applied against women (art. 152); and providing alternative penalty of community service to convicted pregnant women, lactating mothers and women accompanying children under 5 years of age (art. 47). These are important steps that implement recommendations made by human rights instruments. 15 47. The Independent Expert also welcomes the adoption of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in June 2020, and acknowledges the extensive participatory process from civil society, including women’s organizations in the Sudan. 48. In conflict-affected regions, women are deprived of equal rights with regard to decision-making, access to education, control of family resources and employment opportunities. Women and girls continue to face violence, including sexual and genderbased violence and conflict-related sexual violence, entrenching them in deep stigma and silence. In addition, they face being ostracized by the community and being denied access to justice by local authorities, a problem that is exacerbated by impunity, especially when the crime has been committed by national security forces. The Independent Expert welcomes the signing by the Sudan of a framework of cooperation with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2467 (2019). With the commitment of the Government and the support of the United Nations, the implementation of the framework consolidates gains made by UNAMID in combating sexual and gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence, while also empowering community-based protection networks. G. National Committee on the dismantling of the former regime 49. The Joint Council adopted the law for dismantling the former regime,16 taking note that the constitutional document does not provide for the establishment of such a committee, but that it provides for the anti-corruption independent commission. The law establishes the Dismantling Committee responsible for dismantling the former regime, including the dissolution of the former ruling National Congress Party, the confiscation of its property and assets, and the recovery of looted resources. 17 The Dismantling Committee’s decisions are subject to appeal before a Special Appeal Committee, which is chaired by a member of the Sovereign Council, who represents the military component of the transitional authority. The Minister of Justice serves on the Special Appeal Committee as a rapporteur. Decisions of the special appeal committee are also subject to appeal before a judicial chamber set up by the Chief Justice. 50. The National Congress Party was dissolved on 7 January 2020. The Dismantling Committee also issued a series of decisions aimed at dissolving boards of directors of several banks and large companies because they were owned or managed by leaders of the former Party or their family members, or because of a perceived affiliation to the Party. Approximately 47 bank accounts reportedly belonging to leaders of the former regime were frozen. The Independent Expert notes that more than 100 diplomats and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a few thousand civil servants from other ministries and government institutions were dismissed. On 9 May 2020, the Dismantling Committee 15 16 17 10 See CCPR/C/SDN/CO/5, CCPR/C/SDN/CO/4 and A/HRC/32/42/Add.1. This refers to the Law for Dismantling Ingaz (Salvation) Regime and Removing Empowerment. Empowerment is the term that the former regime used to support its affiliates in State affairs by granting them wide-ranging privileges, including government functions and the setting up of various companies. According to article 4-2 of the Dismantling Law, the Committee takes its decisions by simple majority. If there is parity in votes, the Chairperson shall have a decisive vote.