[child-rights] UNICEF: New Sudan constitution should conform with international standards for children

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UNICEF says despite some provisions for children, more needs to be done

KHARTOUM/GENEVA/AMMAN, 13 July 2005 – UNICEF congratulated Sudan today for
including provisions in the Interim National Constitution that strengthen
the rights of children and women. At the same time, the agency called for
the elimination of exceptions that permit imposition of the death penalty
for children under 18.

The Constitution was ratified by Sudan’s National Assembly and the
legislative council of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) on 8
July. It is intended to be in effect for the six-year Interim Period
provided for in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, but can be amended if
supported by three-quarters of the members of each chamber of the National
Legislature.

“The interim Constitution clearly states the obligation of Government to
protect the rights of all children,” said UNICEF Representative JoAnna Van
Gerpen. “Yet, as it reads now, the Constitution includes application of
the death penalty for children under 18 in certain cases. This contravenes
Article 37 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) that
stipulates that capital punishment should not be imposed for offences
committed by persons below 18 years of age.” Van Gerpen also encouraged
Sudan to specify 18 as the minimum age for recruitment and voluntary
joining into the armed forces in line with the Optional Protocol to the UN
CRC to which Sudan is a signatory.

On the positive side, Van Gerpen congratulated Sudan on including “several
provisions in the new Constitution that recognize that investing in
children’s health and education is a cost-effective means to accelerate
the development of the country.” The right to an education is recognized
in the new Constitution and Government is called on to ensure equal access
to free and compulsory primary education children. Equal access to free
primary health care is also provided for. In addition, the State should
combat harmful customs and traditions which undermine the dignity and the
status of women. “Though not specifically mentioned,” she added, “we
assume this includes female genital cutting, which has a devastating
physical and social impact on millions of children, women and families
every year.”

“Ensuring conformity with the international and regional conventions that
Sudan has ratified should be a priority in the coming months,” said
UNICEF’s Van Gerpen, “This is an opportunity that should not be missed.”



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