July 2013 Action Item
While we pray for resolution to the conflict in Sudan, and for the government to cease arbitrary attacks on the civilian population, this month we are also responding to Amnesty International's call to free 20 women being held in El Obeid prison, in Sudan’s Northern Kordofan State. Originally, 34 women were held, but 14 have been released due to profound health issues or because they were being detained with their young children, some as young as six months. All have been held without access to lawyers or medical care, and none were charged with criminal activity. It is believed they are being held solely because they are members of the Nuba ethnic group and therefore suspected of being sympathetic to and spying for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLAN).
Act!
Call on the Sudanese government to release the remaining 20 women, using Amnesty's suggested points below. Also, the salutation for each letter should be, “Your Excellency.” Additionally, call for the government to immediately cease the indiscriminate bombing and attacking of civilians in the Blue Nile region of Sudan.
Write to :
President HE Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir
Office of the President
People’s Palace
PO Box 281
Khartoum, Sudan
Mohamed Bushara Dousa Ministry of Justice PO Box 302 Al Nil Avenue Khartoum, Sudan
Suggested Points:
- Call on the Sudanese government to immediately release the 20 women still detained if they are not to be charged with an internationally recognized criminal offense and remanded by an independent court.
- Call on the Sudanese authorities to immediately grant the 20 women in detention access to a lawyer and any medical assistance they may require.
- Express concern that arbitrary restrictions have been placed on the 14 women who were released, who have not been charged with an offense.
- Further, call on the Sudanese government to immediately desist in the indiscriminate bombing and attacks on civilians in the Blue Nile region.