Population size:
44,051,394 [1]
Number of people experiencing domestic abuse each year:
Evidence not available.
Cost of domestic abuse to the economy each year:
Evidence not available
Estimated % change due to COVID-19:
Evidence not available
Current law and policy
Sudan does not have a specifically tailored Domestic Violence law, either in force or under preparation. The new Constitutional Declaration provides that ratified regional and international instruments relating to women’s and children’s rights are protected, but instances of domestic violence remain widespread.
In August 2019 Sudan’s previous 2005 Interim Constitution was replaced with a new Constitutional Declaration (‘the Declaration’) intended to govern the country during a three year transition period.(1) Regarding women’s and children’s rights generally, the declaration provided that Sudan would protect these as stated in international and regional agreements ratified by Sudan. (2)Regarding domestic violence the Declaration also provided at s.48(4) that “The state shall work to combat harmful customs and traditions that reduce the dignity and status of women”.[2] In 2016 the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, in relation to domestic violence in Sudan, noted that: “...domestic violence is widespread, pervasive and remains largely invisible, due to the absence of reporting mechanisms and statistics as well as a lack of adequate policies and programmes… Theoretically women have the right to lay charges against their alleged abusers for simple or serious harm, but such cases are rare and difficult to bring before a court, due to factors relating to the justice system, and to social and economic factors, including stigma and barriers to access to justice. Women who are subjected to domestic violence are generally encouraged to seek reconciliation because violence against women is largely viewed as a private matter which should be resolved within the family. The Special Rapporteur was informed that, owing to the limited facilities for reporting violence and the lack of an effective response if such facilities are used, victims of domestic violence face further problems, including being encouraged by the police to seek reconciliation, which contributes to their revictimization. Such factors contribute to the silencing and denial of the problem, and also to the denial of remedies. Furthermore, a large number of women and girls live in a context of deep inequality, underdevelopment and poverty, which exacerbates both their vulnerability and also their access to effective remedies.” [3]
Sources
[1] Worldometer, “Sudan Population (Live)”, (worldometers.info)
[2] Sudan Constitutional Declaration August 2019: http://constitutionnet.org/vl/item/sudan-constitutional-declaration-august-2019 & Sudan crisis: Military and opposition sign constitutional declaration https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-49226130
[3] Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, on her mission to the Sudan (2016)
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