Press Conference: Public Initiative for Security and Peace On 04 october.20 the initiative held a press conference at Teyba Press hall under the theme Human rights violations and the state’s Production responsibility. It highlights the human rights violation during the transitional period, and urging the authorities to protect and provide security for citizens. Also it calls for the important of spread the culture of peaceful coexistence and acceptance of others and emphasized the full responsibility of the state’s to protect civilians. None the less it admitted the right of citizens to deal with regional and international protection mechanisms if the government filed to protect them, as we know security is the basis for achieving economic and political stability. The speakers: lawyer: Abdo Eshag – Human Rights Violations MR. Hafiz Mohamed – Protection mechanisms
Justice Africa Sudan Sudan Marginalised Women Groups Symposium Under the Theme ‘ Engendering the Peace Process & The Interim Government Programme’ 30 October 2019 Justice Africa Sudan(JAS) in collaboration with Sudan Marginalised Women Group(SMWG) organised a one day symposium on 30 October 2019 under the Theme of Engendering the Transitional Period Programme and Engendering the Peace Process, the symposium aimed to address gender issues beyond the representation in structure of the interim government , and to ensure the interim programme take in account issues related to women in its policies, the main focus was on issues of concerns to women in marginalised areas of Sudan and conflicts zones . It looked at what constraints do Sudanese marginalised women face in trying to organise and ensure their interests served, what strategies can marginalise women follow in order to become more fully effectively engaged in the peace process and mobilisation for their rights, and examined the major social, political and economic challenges facing women. The symposium concluded that its only through effective mobilisation of women organisations in the grass-root level, and only through developing capacity to influence the process of peace, democracy and the development of local civil society that will be possible for women to mobilise and peruse their rights. “The need for strong local Women’s NGOs is a Prerequisite for addressing gender gap in marginalised areas of Sudan” Marginalised Women and Wars It is commonplace for women to be described as ‘natural ‘’ peacemakers in Sudan and elsewhere in Africa. Actually, women engagement in peace and democracy is been marginalised in addition to that the women in the marginalised areas are the marginalised of the marginalised and that has double impact on their lives and livelihood. Women Suffering During Wars Marginalised Sudanese women in conflicts zones have suffered from many elements include the following: Vulnerability to Exploitation Poor women and their children are vulnerable to exploitation in time of wars, work as cheap labour at below market rate, Young women may have no option but to become commercial sex workers, they are also subjected for rape and abduction by militias and soldiers. Greater Economic Burden The do domestic work plus farming in rural areas, in Darfur, Blue Nile, the Nuba mountains wars usually entails even greater workload. Hunger and Disease. Women Suffered from ill- health and health services collapse, and health become expensive commodity for those whom car afford it, their children suffered from malnutrition. lack of Education. Girls in marginalised areas are the first to suffer when schools close and families face an economic crisis, cultural values mean that girls schools are less valued than boys. Vulnerability to Sexual Abuse. women in conflicts areas are extremely vulnerable to rape and sexual violence, as it become one of the weapons used by militias. That might subject them of some sort of infectious diseases just like HIV/AIDS Enforced Support to the Warring Parties. Women are vulnerable to being coerced into supplying support to armies, their food may be looted, they may themselves be forced to cook and provide other domestic services. “the government macro-economic policies must be engendered to must the goal of gender equality” Engendering the Peace Process Engendering the peace process initiatives mainly supported by external actors first was the Netherlands Government programme in 2000, , the first high profile gathering of Sudanese women activists, followed by other initiatives , but the process of engendering the peace process must move to the ground to involving women directly affected by conflicts to enable women voice to be heard both nationally and internationally , however we must also ask how this initiative can be sustained and can feed into the women’s movement in Sudan in a sustainable manner. Women and Human Rights m the Issues are: 1.Personal Law and Customs The current family law in force in Sudan was based upon interpretation of Islamic Sharia, this law contains many elements that are contrary to basic human rights. Regressive elements in this law include: Approval of the Guardian is required for marriage Sudanese woman cannot marry without her guardian’s consent. Divorce is the sole rights of the husband for which he can exercise for any or no reason without the wife having a right of appeal, a woman has no comparable rights unless it was clearly mentioned in the marriage contract. Custodian with male resides with the mother until the age of seven and for female children until the age of nine. Obedience: A wife is required to obey her husband, provided solely that his orders do not contradict Islam. Childe Act 2010 prohibit the marriage: Of underage girls but in some communities in marginalised areas of Sudan child marriage still common practice not means of enforcing that as that part of the traditions in some communities. 3.Political Rights: Sudanese women gained many rights after long struggle the 2005 comprehensive Peace Agreement guaranteed 25% representation on the legislative councils, but that wasn’t reflected in others structures of the government and government policies and programmes. At the same their roles in shaping political parties’ programmes still very weak. 4.Economic Rights: the adverse economic position of women in Sudan is the foundation of their poor political and social status. In Sudan marginalised areas women play major role in family economy, they are the backbone of family food security and also undertake greater part in the essential work in household economy include collecting water and firewood, preparing food, cleaning and child care. Women’s Health Rights: Heath service is one of the basic needs in every society .It is essential for the progress of any country and for its development , the decline of Sudan’s heath service due to the lack of investment in heath budget due to the deterioration of economy has had disproportionate impact on women and children, any government with right concern of women will make it a priority. In post conflicts women need rehabilitation to over come the impact of conflicts and include
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Hayban Leaders’ Conference for Dialogue, Reconciliation, Peace and Development Under the slogan: “Together, through dialogue; towards reconciliation, peace and development”. During the period 31-Dec-2009 to 4-Jan-2010 The Initiative:- Background:- Hayban area consists of five ethnic groups (tribes), namely Uturu, Tira, Lira, shawaia and Hayban. There are deep historical relations between these tribes. They have strong social interrelations; and they are very much similar in the way they make their living. Native administration setups have also some similarities. Values, traditions and customs are governing individual as well as inter-tribal relations. All historical indicators show that social and peaceful coexistence had been dominating their livelihood. After the CPA (Nuba Protocol), frictions started escalating and some conflicts ended in lost lives. The signs of violence are everywhere. Local conflicts resolution mechanisms were abandoned, native administration has lost power and control over individuals. Conflicts with military, political, tribal and economic dimensions have come to the surface of the social life, laying a heavy impact on the inter-tribal historical relations, and threatening the social peace in the area. Importance & reasons:- Serious and responsible dialogue between all stakeholders in Hayban area (intellectuals, youth, native administration, civil service leaders, politicians, religious leaders, women organizations and civil society organizations. This dialogue should lead to social reconciliations and unity. Social reconciliation and peaceful co-existence will pave the way for economic development, consequently to the welfare of the people of Hayban county. Assumptions:- Apparently all these conflicts have their roots and causes which was not properly addressed and handled. Conflicts are created by the leaders and not the people (who are still longing for the past social co-existence). The Social reconciliation can only be achieved through dialogue between leaders, elites, intellectuals, native administration and civil society organizations. Reconciliation and unity should not mean complete coincidence. It should allow for accepting others (Openness). Dialogue for reconciliation is the first step to wards achieving social and political peace, consequently comprehensive Development. As the objectives of this conference fall within the scope of Justice Africa’s mandate. “Working for peace and justice “, it assumed the responsibility of providing the logistics and technical support for the conference. The conference was attended by: – All five tribes (Nazis, Muck’s, Omads). Civil society organizations. (youth & woman) A representative from United Nations. Intellectuals and elites. Political leaders. Commissioner of Hayban county. General public from the five tribes. An expert in conflict resolution. A-team from Justice Africa. It is actually attended by more than 500 persons. The closing session was attended by the state governor and his deputy along with some government high officials. Agenda of the conference:- Social peace and peaceful coexistence Security & stability. Political practice and its impact on the social peaceful coexistence. Development priorities. Monitoring, evaluation and follow _up of the implementation process. Hayban declaration. Recommendations:- Social coexistence Empowering the native administration. Trust building between society leaders, general public, civil society organisation and maintain the social fibre. Renunciation of violence, racism and tribalism and respect of the other. Enhancing the common positive factors. Awareness raising (education, reduction in dropout rate and combating illiteracy among youth). Peace culture disseminations, accepting others and mutual respect. Resorting back to positive customs and traditions that enhance the values of social coexistence and conflict resolution through the local mechanisms. Activating the role of native administration and bring the prestige and the respect to them. Credibility in explaining the problems and strongly confront them and assure the process of the low enforcement. Prevention of the misuse of power and wealth and the provision of justice and equitable distribution of wealth, development project and social services. Selection of leaders that have respect and acceptance among their people and those who have wisdoms and self-denial and those who sacrifices personal interest in front of the public interest. Participation of leaders of civil society organisation in the trust building between people of Hyban area. Enhance religious values and basic human principles (Dialog, Reconciliation, Mutual respect and Human dignity). Security and Stability Disarming and control of the usage of weapons. Establish polices of security stations, with full logistical support in the areas where there are security violations. Enhancing the capabilities of the police workforce, provide them with means of communication and mobility. Rehabilitate Hayban prison and establish civil and native courts and attorney offices. A firm stand to be taken against outlaws. Establishing models villages in the Eastern and Northern borders of the state, will contribute to Demarcation of Hyban County borders and enforces law and stability. Political Practices and Impact on the Social Coexistence Freedom of expression, thinking, dialogue and accepting others opinions. Raising political awareness and peaceful dialogue. Avoid tribalism and narrow political practices while discussing public issues regarding distribution of wealth and power. Avoid severe political polarizations. Direct and utilizes political practise to enhance peace culture, democracy, liberty and economic development. Political leaders should work towards utilizing resource in peace and development process. Development priorities Provide water services (Digging wells, Dams and Water pumps). Rehabilitation and building of hospitals. Building a school midwives. Build high secondary schools for boys and girls. Establish illiteracy combating, vocational training and community development centres. Build Community Development College in Hayban. Road Construction: A.Hayban- Abri-Dalami. B.Hayban-Kowda-Talodi. C,Hayban – Kobang – Shawaya – Kadugli. 8.Hayban city planning. 9.Promotion of the traditional farming by introducing intermediary technology and small projects, mechanized farming and cooperative societies. 10.Proper utilization of Horticulture introducing eugenic seeds. 11.Establishing veterinary units and agricultural, horticultural, and forestry extension. Protection of environmental and natural resources. 12.Establish investment and development fund in the county as a popular wing supporting the official Efforts in achieving development and attracting investments for the county. 13.Establish Radio, TV and communication stations. 14.Carry Feasibility studies for establishing university colleges – branches to Diling University. 15.Demining 16.Capacity building 17.Put signs to show
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Dinka Ngok and Messiriya Tribes peaceful co-existence Conference Kadugli 19th – 21st December 2010 Abyei district status becomes the most controversial issue in Sudan now, with few days remaining for South Sudan Referendum. The current negotiations between the two CPA parties on the issue is not making any progress, serious dialogue between the local inhabitants of the region become necessary as it might produce the needed breakthrough. Conference on dialogue between Messiriya and Dinka Ngok tribes for Peaceful Coexistence, which was organized by Justice Africa Sudan, in the city of Kadugli, the capital of the state of South Kordofan, in the period between 19th to 21st December 2010, represent an unprecedented breakthrough for the problem of Abyei, for the first time the two tribes come together without intermediaries, in 33 years. The last time was in the reconciliation conference which was held in the same city in 1977. This conference came in a very crucial time in Sudan history, with few days remaining for South Sudan Self-determination Referendum, which is supposed to be held in January 2011. Also a mid-lack of trust between the two parties to the CPA and political polarization in the area, in the last six months there are many endeavors to bring the two sides together without success. The main expected outcome of the meeting is to bring the two parties together to allow them talk to each other face to face, without any intermediary, to build confidence between the parties as the basis for any future dialogues. The conference was organized at the request of the Messiriya and Dinka Ngok, tribes after field visits undertaken by the organization through its Special Committee for Abyei. The two consultations came out with the views of each party on what issues they think needed to be addressed. The main purpose is to bring together the parties in the conference to talk about the chances of peaceful coexistence and building social peace, regardless of the outcome of the referendum of Southern Sudan. At the time, when the negotiations between the two parties to the CPA, the National Congress Party (NCP) and Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) is not making enough progress specially with regard to the status of Abyei, the inter-tribal dialogue become very important. We were fully aware that this conference will not resolve all the problems at once but will build confidence between the parties and start the process which engages the two parties in serious dialogues to resolve the current deadlock. Introduction: The following steps have been taken as part of Justice Africa Sudan Abyei initiative: Establishing Abyei committee from activists with links to the area and its people. The committee visited Al Muglad to meet Messiriya leaders, and Abyei to meet Dinka Ngok and listened to their views separately. The two parties asked Justice Africa Sudan to bring them together to discuss those issues so they can reach an agreement. Each party gave Justice Africa Sudan delegation list of their delegates for the coming conference. Justice Africa Sudan promised to organise the conference, to allow the parties to meet and discuss issues related to their peaceful co-existence, Justice Africa Sudan shall only provide the technical and logistical support and form a panel of Ajaweed (Mediators). The initiative is based on the principles of maintaining the values of peaceful co-existence and benefit sharing between the two communities. Expected outcome: – Joint statement of commitment by the two communities to live together, peacefully, and put in place steps to deal with all the issues of concern to the two parties to ensure that their livelihood is been sustained and not affected by the outcome of South Sudan Referendum. Confidence building and creation of communication channels, so they can restore their traditional relation which is been affected by the violence and conflicts in the last three years. To establish a joint mechanism to ensure all the recommendations are implemented and prevent any future conflict. To address issues of concern to the two communities, to ensure peaceful co-existence in the area. Conference Delegates The conference was attended by a hundred and ten (110) delegates from the two tribes detailed as follows: Twenty eight (28) from Dinka Ngok Eighty two (82) from Messiriya Thirty five (35) Guests from Local and International organisations. According to our consultation in el Muglad the Messiriya tribe supposed to be represented by sixty three (63) delegates that include Civil Society Organizations, Women, Youth groups and native administration and tribal leaders. In the last day before the conference we discovered that there was disunity with the Messiriya as two of the main tribal leaders decided not to come to the conference and asked for it to be postponed, that was the third time we receive request postponement from them. The conference supposed to be held in the 12th of December 2010 and due to the request from some of Messiriya tribal leaders we decided to delay it to the 19th December 2010. At the time of their second request some of the Dinka Ngok delegates including Sultan Kuol Deng Majok and some of the Ajaweed were already in Kadugli. Fifty five (55) of the selected Messiriya delegates decided to attend and prompted for the conference to go ahead as they are representing all Messiriya clans. Dinka Ngok representation was in a highest level as their delegation was led by Sultan Kuol Deng Majok the leaders of the 9 Dinka Ngok clans. Sultan Kuol asked for more senior representation from the Messiriya at least Al Ameer Mukhtar Babou Nimir supposed to attend, to ensure that they honour any agreement the two parties might arrival at. Ajaweed (Mediators) Panel from Southern Sudan No Name Area/Tribe 1 Sultan. Nyal Chan Nyal Warap 2 Sultan. Yel Agwer Geng Aweil 3 Sultan. Cher Miror Rakan Warrap 4 Sultan. Bio Tim Kwaj Advisor (GoSS) Seven from the north No. Name Area/ tribe 1 Dr Elmuck Yusuf Hassan Adlan Ajaweed Head Committee – Blue Nile State 2 Elmuck Salih Ali
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This is a three-year program proposal for a civil society strategy for peace and the successful transition to democracy in Sudan. The program aims to support and enhance the CPA and sustain peaceful dialogue, with a view to achieving an inclusive and peaceful democratic society.
Live debate on Al Jazzira Television Justice Africa hold a live debate on Wednesday 25th August 2010, on Issues related to Unity. Secession, numbers of, academics, activists and journalists, for the north and the south participated in the debate which was broadcasted live on Al Jazzera live TV for one hour. Participants included:- Hafiz Mohamed __ Justice Africa Sudan Dr. Goma Konda __ Juba University D. Hassan Abdel Ati __ National Civic Forum Ms. Elizabeth Baroudi __ Southern Sudanese Women activist Youhans Akoul __ South Sudan Intellectual Dr. AL Baghir Afifi __ Al Khatim Adlan Centre Ms. Mona Musa __ Khartoum Monitor Newspaper Ms. Fatima Hamid __ Al Shahid Newspaper The issues debated included: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) implementation process. The impact of the two party to the agreement (National Congress Party & Sudan People Liberation Movement) on the whole process. Argument for united Sudan and arguments for secession of the south. What needed to ensure smooth and peaceful transition? The debate has been broadcasted live on the day and repeat 2 times the day after. The allow viewers all over the world to watch it.
The Role of Peaceful Coexistence in Supporting Development and stability on contact area Workshop was held on 27/28 August 2010 in Justice Africa Hall, attended by 58 people mainly targeted youth and Journalists. The objective: Raising awareness of the importance of the social peace and reconciliation between the groups that are sharing resources. Introducing Development projects that reduce unemployment among youth in the areas where resources are common and shared. Bringing psychological and social stability to coexisting groups. Dissemination of values of human rights and democracy and the culture of nonviolence among these groups. Papers: Poverty and its Impact on peaceful Coexistence. Presented by Elsir Makki The Role of Youth in Reconciliations and Peaceful Coexistence. Presented by Atim Simon. 2. Workshop on Peace Building and Mediation Techniques Workshop held on Justice Africa Hall on 29septamber 2010 and was attended by 50 delegates, targeted mainly youth and CSOs activists. In its continuing efforts to build capacity of civil society organizations and support their role in promoting peaceful co-existence in the border areas north/south of the country, Justice Africa has hold two days capacity building the above named workshop as part of the Sudan/ Sudan Dialogue (Border Dialogues) Program. The initiative aims are build the capacity of local civil society organizations to play role in conflict prevention and conflict resolution and peace building, civil society’s activists from the ten bored states participated in the training. After the training the activists will help Justice Africa to implement its activities in the ten Border States. The training also included mediation techniques. Objective: Explain to Participants conflict analysis techniques and conflict sensitive analysis. Explain the conflict analysis tools and conflict management (analysis, prevention and resolution). Assess the conflict and ensure mediator readiness. Conflict track-1 mediation. Construct peace agreement. Steps needed to ensure sustainability of peace. Papers: Conflict sensitive analysis. Presented by Dr Mohy Eldin Eltuhami Managing Mediation Process. Presented by Mr. Hafiz Ismail. Expected Deliverables: Awareness of local population of the negative impacts of conflicts in the livelihood of local population. Improve the local capacity in mediation as means of conflict management and resolution. Improve early warning techniques as means of conflicts prevention. Improve their ability in assessing conflict. Contribute in promoting peaceful coexistence in the border areas by managing multiculturalism among different ethnic groups. Create permanent mechanism for rapid intervention to prevent escalation of conflict when it occurred 3.Abyei Consultation 20th and 21 September 2010 Justice Africa held 2 days’ workshop in Abyei town the tribal base of Dinka Ngok. The strategic objective of the consultation is to reach consensus, on how to handle issues related peaceful co-existence between Dinka and Messirya taking into account the Court of Arbitration decision on Abyei. The consultation attended by the supreme tribal leader of the Dinka Sultan Kwal Deng Majok, nine other tribal leaders and 200 civil society activists, and local government official. The consultation came out with message to Messirya tribe and selected 63 delegates to represent Dinka Ngok in the upcoming conference between Dinka and Messirya. Justice Africa has studied the two messages and identified the main difference and how to reconcile them and started the preparation for the upcoming conference which will bring together the two tribes, the upcoming conference is supposed to take place in Kadogli city( capital of south Kordofan state) in the last week of October 2010. 4. Al Muglad Consultation 23rd -24th August 2010 Justice Africa Abyei committee, held two days consultation in Muglad town on 23rd and 24th of August 2010, for the leaders of Messirya tribe, to address issues related to the future of the region taking into account the implications of the implementation of the Permanent Court of Arbitration decision and the coming Abyei referendum, on the livelihood of the local population. Justice Africa delegation was chaired by Zakaria Deng Majok, chairman of our Abyei steering committee, which include other five members. The main objective of the consultation is to listen to the views of the Messirya tribes on the issues related to the future of the region. 120 delegates from all Messirya clans attended the meeting headed by the supreme tribe chief Mukhtar Babo Nimir and other 8 tribal leaders. Day One The first day meeting attended 120 delegates from all the Messirya clans in Al Muglad locality for civil society activists, government officials, and tribal leaders, the strategic aim of the consultation is to promote peaceful co-existence between locals communities, and develop consensus on principles on how to maintain their livelihood. Public debate of the best way to promote peaceful co-existence between all the inhabitants of Abyei area. How to deal with the implications of the implementation of the Permanent court of Arbitration decision on Abyei. Day Two Dividing them into working groups to come out with specific recommendation. Agreed on Messirya message to Dinka Ngok. The meeting came out with message from Messirya tribe to be handed to Dinka Ngok by Justice Africa. The consultation has selected 65 delegates to represent Messirya tribe in the upcoming joint meeting between Messirya and Dinka Ngok. 5.Referendum Awareness workshops Justice Africa held two days’ workshop on the 5th and the 6th October 2010, for numbers of youth to improve their understanding on issues related to south Sudan self-determination referendum. 80 participants took part in the workshop; it took place in Justice Africa Khartoum offices. It covered the following subjects: Day One: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement and its protocols. The rights of Self-determination in according with international conventions. Similar practices in the world. Day Two: Referendum Act. The status of south Sudanese in case of separation ( international law, Possible arrangement). Most of the participants will hold Justice Africa activities which is targeting south Sudanese in the north which aimed to raise their awareness to participate in the upcoming referendum, and also to deal with all possible outcomes.