March 2001

The record of human rights in Sudan during 2000 and early 2001 remained extremely poor, and the government of Sudan (GOS) and government-allied forces and militias committed numerous serious abuses. A state of emergency remained effective throughout the year and was extended in December for another year. The government continued to resort to use harassment, detention, torture, forcible displacement and extrajudicial killing as methods for suppressing its opponents. Freedoms of speech, peaceful assembly and association, movement and political rights remained restricted, and the citizens were deprived their right to change the government peacefully. A scorched earth policy was implemented to secure the oil territories in Upper Nile, and forcible recruitment of youth and students continued.

Resisting - Kalid Kodi

Efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement remained fruitless by the end of the year. Oil revenues enabled the government to increase its defense spending by 96% in 2000.

Presidential and parliamentary elections hel d in December in an unfavorable climate were boycotted by the political parties. Still there were allegations of serious irregularities such as official interference, electoral fraud, inadequate opportunities etc.

Extra judicial Killing and Violation of Humanitarian Law in the Internal Conflicts:

The government and government-allied militias have implemented a scorched earth policy aimed at removing populations to secure the oil territories in Upper Nile. Government bombers, helicopter gunships, tanks and artillery were used against the civilians. Thousands of people were killed in the ruthless military campaign, while many more were forcibly displaced.
Government bombings continued against civilians and civilian targets in the south and east. There were, at least, 120 bombing raids on villages in south Sudan, which resulted in deaths and injuries and destruction of properties. Towns and villages most targeted were: Yerol, Rumbek, Chelkou, Ikotos, Lui, Mapel, Parajok, Nimule and Yei.

The government troops and the government-allied militias carried out raids and attacks on civilian settlements in southern Sudan particularly in Upper Nile and Bahr El Ghazal. Killings, abductions, rapes, burning and looting of villages, and theft of cattle, accompanied the raids.

In the north, security forces used, during September, excessive force to disperse students' demonstrations and several students were killed while many were severely injured. In December 26 persons were killed and 40 injured at a mosque in Omdurman by Islamic extremists who belong to Takfeer wel Hijra group. Disappearances of people in the government-controlled zones in the south and Nuba Mountain, and abductions of women and children in Upper Nile and Bahr El Ghazal were reported.
A Committee for the Eradication of the Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWAC) formed by the government in 1998 said it had released and returned no more than 300 abductees to their homes in Bahr el Ghazal, but the abductors were not identified or prosecuted.

Torture and Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment:

Security forces continued to harass, ill-treat and torture opponents without being held accountable for such abuses. The security forces control most of the detention centres with no supervision by the courts or other independent authorities.
Physical punishments that include flogging, amputation, and crucifixion remained effective. Scores of people (especially women) were flogged publicly throughout the year either for failing to comply with Islamic dress or for illegal making and selling of alcohol.

In January 2001, five men were cross amputated in Kober prison in Khartoum North. Omar Salim Khatir, Dafalla Moulud, Ibrahim Jumaa, Omar Mohamed and Mohamed Adam Abdalla all had their right hand and left leg amputated after being allegedly convicted of armed robbery.

Arbitrary Arrest and Detention:

Arbitrary arrest and detention remained in practice during the year despite a much-publicized government policy of restoration of basic freedoms. A December amendment of the National Security Act permitted detention, without charge, for three months renewable for a similar period. Hundreds of people were detained for short times, and during September/October at least 200 persons were detained for getting involved in political activities and protests.

Government security authorities continue to detain 6 leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (Sudan's umbrella opposition organization), who were arrested in early December last year for holding a meeting with an officially accredited American diplomat. In February, they were charged with espionage, attempting to undermine the constitution and waging war against the state, each of these charges carry the death penalty. Two lawyers were detained for 70 days because they called for the release of the detainees.

In February 2001, Leader of the Popular National Congress Party (PNCP), Dr. Hassan EL Turabi, and scores of the party leaders and members were detained for signing a memorandum of understanding with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement. El Turabi and four leading figures of the PNCP were charged with criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state.

Freedom of Speech and Press:

The government severely restricted freedom of speech and of the press. Many journalists and writers were detained, intimidated and brought to court for criticizing the government, while several newspapers were suspended throughout the year.

Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association:

The declaration of the state of emergency and martial law effectively eliminated the right of assembly, and only pro-government gatherings were permitted.

Freedom of Religion:

The government continued harassing Christians, and in Khartoum the authorities demolished Christian churches and worship centres, schools, and clinics that serve the displaced civilians mainly from the south and other war-affected areas.

Discrimination Against Women:

In September the Governor of Khartoum issued a decree that forbids women from working in hotels, restaurants and gas stations, claiming this was necessitated by the duty to adhere to Sharia Law. Public Order Police kept harassing women and monitoring their attire. Those who do not comply with the Islamic dress may be subjected to physical punishment. Women are not allowed to travel without the permission of husband or a male guardian. The GOS refused to sign the Convention for Eradication of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).