COMMITTEE OF THE CIVIL PROJECT

This issue paper will address the human rights questions that arise in the light of the current Sudan Government laws on political parties, the NDA draft law on political parties, the SPLM position on political parties in ‘New Sudan’, and related issues concerning trade unions, professional associations, citizens’ associations, NGOs etc.

COMMITTEE OF THE CIVIL PROJECT

The question of religion and the state in Sudan is a deeply controversial and divisive issue. This issue paper presents several views about whether religion can be separated from the state, and if so how. The premise of all the views presented here is that the extremist agenda of the National Islamic Front has been proven to be bankrupt.

COMMITTEE OF THE CIVIL PROJECT

The question of self-determination, along with related issues of devolution of power, cultural and community rights and race relations, is one of the most complex and controversial in Sudan. The challenges of self-determination in Southern Sudan have been addressed elsewhere, and the case of the Nuba and Southern Blue Nile peoples has been presented in another issue paper.

COMMITTEE OF THE CIVIL PROJECT

Sudan has an extremely high proportion of citizens displaced inside and outside the country. Ensuring the full participation of these citizens in the social, economic and political life of the country will be a major challenge. Exclusion of substantial sections of these communities is a recipe for disaster.

COMMITTEE OF THE CIVIL PROJECT

Overview

The extent of poverty in Sudan is scandalously high. The vast majority of Sudanese citizens live in conditions of low income, high vulnerability to destitution, and poor life chances. Many Sudanese children are malnourished, and a large proportion never live to see the age of five. This level of impoverishment is not only a scandal in its own right, but is a source of political instability and even war.

A paper to be presented by Suleiman Musa Rahhal at the Italian Forum Sudan: "Peace Perspectives in Sudan. A rebirth of Civil Society", which is to be held In Milan, Italy between 17-18 September, 1999

STEERING COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE TRANSITION IN SUDAN

Human rights violations have been at the centre stage of the Sudanese political crisis since independence in 1956. All Sudanese governments since independence have been responsible for various human rights abuses, including the suppression of democratic freedoms, torture, and extra-judicial killings.

STEERING COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE TRANSITION IN SUDAN

The people of Southern Sudan have struggled for more than four decades asserting their inalienable right to self-determination against all successive post independence governments in Sudan. Those governments consistently denied any justification for the claim and set out to suppress it through both political manoevres and military force. The consensus throughout post-colonial Africa has been the preservation of the boundaries left behind by the colonial authorities

STEERING COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE TRANSITION IN SUDAN

I. Background

This paper is concerned to clarify the constitutional options facing Southern Sudan as the peace process matures and the moment of democratic self-determination approaches. The paper assumes that the people of Southern Sudan are now sovereign, but it does not seek to prejudge the outcome of any referendum on unity or independence for Southern Sudan. Instead, it seeks to identify the issues that will face Southern Sudanese as they prepare for that momentous and unprecedented decision, and the challenges that will follow, whatever decision they make.