Sudan’s Initial Report on the Implementation of
THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF
THE CHILD
Introduction
(1.2.3.4.5.6,7)
Preparation of this report has been made in accordance of the guidelines set by the
African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The report covers
the period following the endorsement of the Charter by the Sudan (2005) and the
adoption thereof by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the
Child (2007). The report is based on a comprehensive view of the child rights according
to the standers adopted by the Charter and other international conventions on the rights of
the child endorsed by the Republic of the Sudan.
The Sudan has witnessed a number of political developments, chief amongst them was
the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on the 9th of January 2005
which has ended the longest civil war in Africa, and which has created a momentum
conducive to promote the child rights. One of the paramount outcomes of the CPA was
the adoption of the National Interim Constitution of the Republic of the Sudan (July
2005) which contained 226 articles dealing with the nature of the state, functions and
duties of the official organs and the relationships between them. The constitution has also
stipulated all basic liberties and human rights under a separate title called “the Bill of
Rights”. The constitution has clearly stated that any liberties or rights not mentioned
therein but are contained in any international or regional agreement or convention signed
by the Sudan shall be part and parcel of the constitution. The constitution has adopted a
federal system of government to ensure equitable share of power and wealth between all
parts of the country. It has also ensured the right of southern Sudan to have its own
legislative, judicial and executive apparatuses and to have its own constitution in addition
to taking part in the government of national unity, both politically and legislatively.
The Darfur Peace Agreement (April 2006) and the East Peace Agreement (October 2006)
represent prominent features in the history of modern Sudan; both agreements clearly
stipulated that the state should ensure protection of the rights of the child as enshrined in
international and regional agreements signed by the Sudan. This has set up the principles
for a legislative system that ensures the protection of human rights in general and the
rights of the child in particular.
The 1990s has been characterized by the establishment of the national and state
mechanisms for the coordination and follow up of all issues of the child, including the
National Council for Child Welfare, the state councils for the child welfare and the
Advisory Council for the Human Rights. The same period also witnessed an increased
role for national and international NGOs working in the field of child issues in the Sudan.
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