Your excellency,

Since mid-December, Sudanese women and men have been peacefully protesting the regime across Sudan. The protesters are practicing their human right to dissent and to speak up against injustices which Sudanese people have endured under this regime. This includes continuous violation of the fundamental freedoms, the increasing economic and social disparities and widespread ethnic wars. Impacts of these violations especially affect areas that have experienced war, ethnic cleansing, and displacement and the Sudanese women as the most vulnerable.

Response of the Sudanese authorities to these peaceful protests was with their battalions and militias. Their use of force, and use of illegal weapons and methods, has led to the death of over 40 peaceful protesters. The National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has arrested and detained countless protesters.

As the Sudanese Women’s Union we want to draw your attention to the situation of the women who are under custody and are under risk of mistreatment, harassment and torture. These practices have been
used by NISS; as recognized by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, following her mission to the Sudan in 2016. The SR raised her concern on women human rights defenders (WHRDs) ; against the alleged cases of arbitrary detention, intimidation, torture and other cruel inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, including being raped despite the existence of article 51 of the National Security Law (2010). 

In this context, as the Sudanese Women’s Union, we urge the international community to stand in solidarity with the peaceful protesters in Sudan and call on the Sudanese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained; to protect the lives, fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens and to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate all cases of violations since the beginning of the Sudan Uprising movement in December 2018 to promote accountability and counter impunity.

We are confident in your response to our request, your ability to hold up Human Rights and women’s rights.

We trust in your interest and your cooperation and believe that together we can protect the rights of the daughters and sons of Sudan.

The Sudanese Women’s Union
January 21, 2019