WASHINGTON, May 23, 2023 — The American Bar Association is deeply concerned by the violence perpetrated against civilians and the continued attacks on International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) that provide vital aid and assistance to the people in Sudan.
Over the last week, at least 20 INGO offices have been attacked in the capital Khartoum, despite commitments signed by the rival military groups, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), assuring INGOs would be protected.
These incidents are the latest targeted attacks on INGO premises across the country over the last month. The ABA, through its Rule of Law Initiative, works with Sudanese lawyers and other partners to increase access to justice, improve tolerance and strengthen institutions. We will continue to support the struggle for individuals to obtain justice in the country.
The ABA calls on all parties in the conflict to end attacks on civilians, humanitarian workers, assets, supplies, offices, warehouses and other facilities. All sides in this conflict need to respect their commitments under International Humanitarian Law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Sudanese law to ensure the safety and security of NGOs in their critical endeavors.
The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.