Sudan’s SPLM hails inclusion of human rights in draft constitution

KHARTOUM, Sudan, May 6, 2005 (Sudan Radio Service) — An SPLM spokesman says the Sudan National Commission on the constitution has for the first time included human rights into the proposed draft.

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service in Khartoum this week, SPLM spokesman Yasir Arman said the inclusion of human rights for the first time into the constitution shows that the country is heading toward a democtratic transformation.

Arman said the draft also contains articles on the reform of the judiciary as well as other mechanisms for democratic transformation. He adds that it focuses on the respect of diversity in Sudan and the restructuring of the system of governance.

Arman said the draft should be shown to the public to boost support for it.

Also, a member of the constitution committee, Pagan Amum said the draft combines the constitutional aspects of the peace agreement and the 1998 constitution.

He said it will also adopt the establishment of a democratic and decentralized rule that will give broad powers to the states.