Sudan: No space for free expression

(11 April 2013) On the occasion of the 53^rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) taking place on 9-23 April 2013, the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) and Journalists for Human Rights (JHR-Sudan) are appealing to ACHPR Commissioners to urgently respond to the sharp deterioration in the space for free speech, association and assembly in Sudan.

The attached joint briefing paper, Sudan: No space for free expression documents increased restrictions on the operation of civil society and the political opposition in Sudan, including the forced closure of civil society organisations, arbitrary detention of political opposition members and activists, violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations and use of torture against perceived political opponents, as well as censorship of independent newspapers, publishers and online resources by the Sudanese authorities.

This sharp deterioration in the space for free speech, association and assembly has taken place at a time when Sudan is drafting a new permanent constitution and preparing for its first national elections, scheduled for 2015, since the secession of South Sudan.

ACJPS and JHR-Sudan are urging Commissioners to call on the Government of Sudan to respect the right of Sudanese people to peacefully and fully exercise their right to freedom of expression, association and assembly, as set out in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Download the full report here.