10/01/2019 Sudan (International Christian Concern) – Sudan has again made some large steps in the direction of democracy. This past week, PM Hamdok visited the United Nations and ensured countries around the world that he and his new government are dedicated to bringing democracy and freedom to the beleaguered people of Sudan. Also, Nasredeen Abdulbari, the newly appointed Minister for Justice, attended the UN meetings as well. During the meetings, he gave a speech during which he said, “We believe peace can only be achieved if we address the root causes of Sudan’s wars, which are the marginalization by the state of the peripheries.” He also stated that Sudan would “amend or abolish tens of pieces of legislation in Sudan that restrict freedoms or are inconsistent with international human rights law.”

Both of these statements are crucial to the country actually moving to democracy and freedom. One of the main reasons that Sudan has had major issues and wars for decades is their complete disregard and hatred towards minorities. They have long abused those that were not part of the majority, including Christians, South Sudanese, and the people of Darfur, South Kardofan, and the Blue Nile States. If this government truly wishes to make a change, this is a great way to start.

Not only did Abdulbari make these claims, but then they quickly backed them up by signing several International agreements. They decided to join the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention against Torture. Both of these have caused major concerns for human rights activists across the world. They also signed an agreement with the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to open a country office with access to all areas of Sudan.

Please pray for the leaders in Sudan to have wisdom, compassion and a heart for their people. Please pray that among all of the other freedoms that they are working to guarantee, they would include freedom of religion, and that it would apply to our brothers and sister across Sudan.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].