Sudan: rights activists continue to face multiple risks

Following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, ending
more than 20 years of conflict in South Sudan, the peace building processes in Sudan
remain challenging. In addition, this is in contrast to the expectations and hopes
invested in the 2005 Sudan National Interim Constitution.

Individuals and organizations working and advocating for human rights across the
country continue to face multiple risks to their activities and lives.

It was shocking for all of us, as Human Rights defenders (HRD), the arrest and torture
of our colleagues Osman Hummaida , Abdelmonim El Gak and Amir Suliman.

Hummaida and El Gak were subjected to severe torture by Sudan National
Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). These undertaking by the Sudanese
authorities is a clear setback from the possibilities of democratic transformation and
peace in Sudan.

We would like to emphasize here, according to the International declaration for
Human Rights Defenders provided by the United Nations General Assembly, the
entitlement and right of Sudanese people to defend human rights and stand against
human rights violations as it is the obligation of the state to protect human rights
defenders and not to endanger their lives and work.

The strong solidarity and support shown by human rights defender in Sudan and
around the world was evident on the legitimacy and importance of the work of human
rights defenders.

Therefore, as Sudanese organizations and individuals working in the field of human
rights in Sudan, we have formed the Sudan Human Rights Defender Platform. The
Platform will work to enhance and support HRDs work across the country to
reduce/end human rights violations in collaboration with Sudanese and International
Human Rights defender groups and individuals.

The founders of the Sudan Human rights Defenders call upon, all individual defenders
and organizations to join the platform and work for its success. The Platform will
initiate links with all regional and international HRD networks around the world.

1. Sudan Human Rights Monitor.

2. Khartoum Center for Human Rights and Environmental Development.

3. Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA).

4. Babkeri Badri Scientific Association for Women.

5. Gender Center for Research and Training.

6. SALMA Women Resource Center.

7. Alkhatim Adlan Center for Enlightment and Human Development.

8. Darfur Bar Association.

9. Muta’aqwenat Group.

10. DIAR Association.