<p>Reports of the number of detainees, deaths and injuries vary. On 12 January the Government of Sudan reported that 24 deaths had occurred. Activist groups and Non-Governmental Organisations assess the number to be considerably higher. We are unable to verify these figures independently, but we continue to express our deep concern at the current situation, both bilaterally and as part of the Troika (with the USA and Norway). We are urging the Government of Sudan to respect the Sudanese people's right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to ensure those responsible for the deaths of protestors are held to account. We expect political activists, human rights defenders, journalists and others who are being detained without charge or trial to be released immediately, and for all detainees to be treated in accordance with international standards. We continue to monitor the situation closely.</p>