EU envoy calls on Sudan to fully implement provisions on sexual violence
March 9, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The European Union’s ambassador to Sudan, Tomas Ulicny, said it is following with interest the recent amendments in Sudanese criminal law aiming to address cases of sexual violence against women urging the full implementation of these provisions
“The ongoing fighting in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile continues to cause suffering for the civilian population, in particular women and children,” the European diplomat said in a statement he released following the meeting.
He further expressed concern over repeated allegations of sexual violence in conflict zones and took careful note of the recent changes in the Criminal Law which for the first time defines the crimes of rape and sexual harassment.
“This is an important step to protect the rights of women and girls in Sudan. We expect to see full implementation of these provisions to ensure that victims are provided with access to justice and perpetrators held to account,” he said.
on 21 January 2015, the Sudanese legislators adopted a number of changes in the Criminal Law, criminalising rape and sexual harassment.
Sudanese civil society and human rights groups call since several years to incorporate the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Criminal Code and to make female genital mutilation (FGM) a criminal offence.
(ST)