Women advocacy group decries shrinking civil space in Sudan
November 2, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The rapidly shrinking civic space in Sudan and the growing militarized environment are limiting the ability of women’s rights organizations to operate and respond to atrocities of the war, an advocacy group said.
In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) expressed concerns that its staff have been subjected to constant harassment by authorities in Sudan, an act it strongly condemned.
“These threats and intimidation tactics are unacceptable and must stop,” partly reads the statement, adding “Women who advocate for women’s peace and security in Sudan should not be subjected to such treatment”.
According to the advocacy group, Sudanese military intelligence staff suspended a public event organized by women peace activists in Sennar on September 21.
Three days later, it furher stated, the state’s security committee forcefully interrupted another peaceful public event in Kassala town of Eastern Sudan.
“As SIHA Network, we are deeply disturbed by the limitations on civic space imposed by various Sudanese security apparatus bodies in Kassala, Sennar, Kadugli, and Blue Nile,” SIHA noted.
On several occasions, the advocacy group stressed, these security forces have harassed and intimidated women peace activists and women’s rights defenders who have organized public events calling for peace and an end to the conflict.
“These attempts to silence women’s voices violate their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly and hinder women’s participation in conflict resolution,” it added.
Several recommendations came up, including reminding the de facto government of Sudan of its obligations under international humanitarian law and regional human rights treaties to respect and protect women’s rights, peace and security.
“We demand that the de facto government acknowledge and respect Sudanese women’s remarkable role in society. They are the front-line responders supporting survivors of sexual violence and victims of war while receiving no support and struggling with poor and limited access to services,” it stated.
The advocacy body urged international organizations and governments to extend support and empower women’s groups, organizations and activists in Sudan.
“Women’s voices must be heard, and their rights must be protected,” it concluded.
SIHA is a network of women organizations whose aim is to contribute to unlocking the massive potential of women’s rights movements in the Greater Horn of Africa.
(ST)