Sudan makes landmark move toward supporting religious freedom
The country's transitional government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (Agar) party have agreed to create an independent national commission for religious freedom and a Ministry for Peace and Human Rights. The announcement this week came at the end of the latest round of negotiations between the two parties under the Juba Peace Process.
Sudan’s government has taken a major step to ensure religious freedom for all its citizens.
In a statement the government said: “We agreed to establish a commission for religious freedom to address all issues relating to religious freedom in order to affirm the principle of peaceful coexistence in the country.”
Mohaned Mustafa El Nour, a lawyer and human rights defender told persecution watchdog Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) this was a big move for the Muslim-majority country.
“The establishment of a national commission on religious freedom is a very important step in addressing violations of this right in Sudan,” he said. “It is proper for these discussions to be taking place in the peace talks. However,
“It is also very important that the commission is tasked with addressing violations occurring nationally. Over the last few years, we have seen attacks and violations of religious freedom concentrated in Khartoum, but also in other states, including Darfur.”
“It is vital that the commission can address abuses committed in all states and protect all religious communities in Sudan.” he added.
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