EAST AND HORN OF AFRICA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS NETWORK
Kampala: Safety and Protection from Human Rights Violations for all must be part and parcel of a free and fair referendum in the South Sudan
On 9th January 2011, the people of Southern Sudan will participate in a referendum to determine whether or not the South will remain part of the Sudan. The referendum, which is part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) that ended 20 years’ civil war in which over two million lives were lost, is a step towards finding lasting peace in the Sudan.
EHAHRDP recognises the efforts of various actors committed to making this occasion a success and calls on all parties involved to observe a free and fair referendum and respect the will of the people of Southern Sudan by honouring the results of the referendum irrespective of the outcome.
As we appreciate the largely peaceful pre-referendum processes, we urge for more tolerance of divergent political opinions, support for journalists to freely report on the process without restrictions and for civil society groups and human rights defenders (HRDs) – including individuals and groups to operate without fear of intimidation, harassment and persecution. To see the full release click here.