Sudan's National Human Rights Commission, the top governmental human rights body, has condemned the killing "by bullets" of protesters during the ongoing wave of protests across the country, calling on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice. 

The statement on Friday marks the first acknowledgement by a Sudanese state agency that live ammunition has been used since anti-government protests erupted last month. 

"We condemn using bullets against citizens," said the commission, whose members are appointed by President Omar al-Bashir.

The human rights body stopped short of identifying those who fired the live ammunition, as well as who may have ordered its use against demonstrators who have been calling for Bashir to step down amid tensions over rising living costs.

While also criticising the firing of tear gas at hospitals, the commission called on the government "to investigate this and bring the criminals to court".

"We are also deeply sorry about the killing of citizens by bullets," it said.

The commission's statement came amid another day of anti-government protests, which began on 19 December when the government tripled the price of bread.

The demonstrations have since morphed into a wider movement calling for Sudan's longtime president to step down.