Sudanese women rights groups condemn arrest of female Darfuri
Monday June 23, 2008 — We, the undersigned from women civil society organization, have grave concerns for the welfare of Zubaida Hagar Sandal, her 9-month-old baby son, Hashim Abdel-Shakur and her sister Zahara Hagar. The two women and the baby were arrested on June 8, 2008, from their house in Khartoum by National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) officers.
Our solidarity with Zubaida, her son and her sister comes from our concern for their safety and being held at unknown location, which is regarded as an enforced disappearance. We are opposed to their continued detention, which is illegal and is against all Sudanese traditions. In addition, we have serious concerns for their well-being as for other female detainees. This is especially alarming in light of recent campaign of arrests in the capital following May 10 events, which has taken place in house-to-house searches, public transport and the streets, targeting individuals from Darfur who are residents in Khartoum.
We recall that Zubaida was in contact with the Committee for the Defense of Individuals Affected by the May 10 events. Zubaida’s husband, Abdel-Shakur Hashim was arrested from his office in Omdurman in May 14, 2008. After her husband’s arrest and subsequent disappearance Zubaida had issued a press release on behalf of the family outlining their concerns for his safety and calling for his release. When she, her baby son and he sister were taken from their house the NISS took them in the pretext that her husband wanted to see their son. Since then no one has heard anything about their whereabouts.
As women groups we are here emphasizing our commitment and support to Zubaida, her son and her sister Zahra and all the women detained following May 0 events. We also condemn the violence inflicted on thousands of Sudanese women and children from Darfur who have suffered from displacement, rape and other forms of sexual violence as a result of the current conflict. For these reasons we campaign for Zubaida and her sisters from Darfur to be protected, to have access to justice and to be compensated for their suffering.
We are reminding the Sudanese Judicial system and law enforcement authorities of their commitment to Sudan’s constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, African Union Protocol and CEDAW. We call on the authorities immediately release Zubaida, Zahara and all the women who are detained in secret detention centers and to allow to contact their legal representatives and families and to not separate Zubaida from her son. Furthermore, we call on the authorities not to mistreat or torture Zubaida, her baby son and her sister whilst in detention.
We are here demanding the immediate release of Zobida, her child and Zahra as well as ensuring their safety with the other thousands of Sudanese women from Darfur being jailed and suffering the consequences of the crises.
We are calling on all women organizations and organizations which work on women’s rights to work with support this press release and to work with national and international organizations to provide support and press the authorities on behalf of Zubaida and others affected by May 10 events.
1) Hala Alkarib & Monim Aljak: SIHA Network
2) Zahara Tukras –Women Development organization –Alfasher North Darfur
3) Karak Myok –DIAR –Rumbek South Sudan
4) Dolly Oding –women Development organization Juba
5) Asha Elkarib: Sudanese Organization for research and Development
6) Limya Aljayle: Women in the Media Association
7) Mahasin Alabass: Babkir Badri Scientific Association for Women
8) Neamat Kuku: Khartoum Gender Center
9) Zeniab Badr Eldin : Alam Community group
10) Faisal Albager :Journalists For Human Rights
11) Rashida Al Ansary and Jane Alaw: Al Amel Center for victims of torture Rehabilitation –Nayala South Darfur
12) Linda Ferdinand : WATAP Women group-WAU-South Sudan
13) Fahima Hashim and Tarig Mustafa :Salma Women Center
14) Madina Dosa: Madina Center for Women Development –Nayala, South Darfur
15) Zeinab Alsawe: Women Empowerment Initiative for Peace -SWEP
16) Ahalam Naser : Sudan Center for Trade Unions Rights
17) Madiha Abdulla &Sabah Adam : Alag Media Center
18) Samia Alhashimi : Mutawenat
APPEALS TO:
Mr Abdel Basit Sabderat
Minister of Justice
Federal Ministry of Justice, PO Box 302, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: +249 183 770883
Salutation: Dear Minister
Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Hamed
Federal Ministry of the Interior
PO Box 2793, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: +249 1 8377 6554
Salutation: Dear Minister
COPIES TO:
Dr Abdel Moneim Osman Taha
Rapporteur, Advisory Council for Human Rights, Khartoum, Sudan
Fax: +249 183 77 08 83
Mr Babiker Abdulatif
Head of the General Prosecution Attorney Bureau for Khartoum State
Fax: +249 183 770883
Dr Priscilla Joseph
Chair of the Human Rights Committee, National Assembly, Omdurman, Sudan
Fax: +249 187 560 950