SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Human Rights Watch - Sudan’s Law Reforms a Positive First Step

16/7/2020: Human Rights Watch - Sudan’s Law Reforms a Positive First Step

 Despite welcoming legal reforms that “if implemented and used properly, should improve human rights in [Sudan],” Human Rights Watch (HRW) argue that Sudanese authorities still need to tackle a raft of “problematic” laws.

 HRW call for Sudan to repeal the crime of adultery, end corporal punishment, and reform personal status laws that discriminate against women and girls.

 Noting that Sudan’s new laws ban the “infliction of torture”, forced confessions and human rights violations, HRW call for Sudan to also ratify key international treaties like the conventions against torture and on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.

 HRW conclude that such steps “would help create a legal system that upholds the basic rights and freedoms enshrined in Sudan’s constitutional declaration.”