Sudan Interior Ministry: Over 550 Missing Persons Reports Filed Since April, ICRC Involved

• The Interior Ministry has received over 550 reports of missing people since mid-April, with the ICRC acknowledging recent statements regarding possible detainee releases.
• A committee established by the political adviser to the President of the Sovereignty Council is working to secure the release of detainees held by the RSF.
• Families of detainees, abductees, or missing individuals in areas under RSF control are encouraged to file reports at their nearest police station or public prosecution office.

The committee's formation is seen as a humanitarian response aimed at documenting cases of missing people and safeguarding families' right to know their relatives' fate.

The crisis surrounding missing persons in Sudan persists, with the Interior Ministry's electronic reporting platform receiving over 550 reports of missing people since mid-April. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also acknowledged recent statements regarding the possible release of detainees, stating that they are in close contact with relevant parties, including the United Nations. This development comes as a committee established by the political adviser to the President of the Sovereignty Council works to secure the release of detainees held by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The committee's formation is seen as a humanitarian response aimed at documenting cases of missing people and safeguarding families' right to know their relatives' fate. Families of detainees, abductees, or missing individuals in areas under RSF control are encouraged to file reports at their nearest police station or public prosecution office.

The Sudanese government's efforts to address the crisis surrounding missing persons are taking place within a complex legal framework. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of holding prisoners without reporting them, raising concerns about the rule of law in Sudan. The RSF's actions have led to the establishment of an official committee tasked with securing the release of detainees and negotiating detainee exchanges under the auspices of a UN envoy. This development is significant, as it highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in Sudan's detention facilities. Inspections of these facilities are ongoing, with the public prosecution supervising the process to ensure that the rights of those awaiting trial or in custody are respected.

The crisis surrounding missing persons in Sudan has significant implications for lawyers advising clients in the country. The establishment of a committee to secure detainee releases and document missing persons cases highlights the need for legal professionals to be aware of these developments and advise their clients accordingly. Lawyers may need to navigate the newly established committee's process for reporting missing relatives, which could involve filing reports at police stations or public prosecution offices. This requires an understanding of Sudan's detention facilities, including the RSF's role in holding prisoners without reporting them. The ongoing efforts to document missing persons cases and secure detainee releases underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in Sudan's justice system.

Lawyers advising clients in Sudan should be aware of the ongoing efforts to document missing persons cases and secure detainee releases, and may need to advise clients on navigating the newly established committee's process for reporting missing relatives.

Source: Original reporting via Radio Dabanga