Sudan Rights Group Warns of Torture Fears After Blue Nile Arrests

In October 2023, the Human Rights and Development Organisation (HUDO Centre) reported that at least eight civilians were arrested by the Joint Security Cell (JSC) in Roseires, Blue Nile state, Sudan, and are being held without access to legal counsel or family, raising fears of torture.

The HUDO Centre's urgent appeal, dated October 19, detailed that these arrests occurred between October 12 and 17, with the detainees suspected of collaborating with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N). The individuals, including a Humanitarian Aid Commission employee, a former Land Administration employee previously acquitted by a court, a construction worker, a driver, a Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer, and finance ministry employees, are reportedly held at a security facility within the 4th Infantry Division in Damazin. The denial of access to lawyers and relatives, coupled with the widening security crackdown, has led the HUDO Centre to express serious concerns about the potential for torture, highlighting a severe breach of fundamental human rights.

This situation carries significant legal implications for practitioners, as it underscores the profound challenges of upholding due process and human rights in conflict-affected regions. The alleged arbitrary detentions and denial of legal representation directly contravene both Sudanese domestic law and international human rights instruments to which Sudan is a signatory, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The actions attributed to the Joint Security Cell, if substantiated, represent a grave departure from established legal norms and could potentially trigger international scrutiny and calls for accountability. The ongoing conflict severely complicates the enforcement of these legal protections, making independent monitoring by organisations like HUDO Centre crucial.

The key parties involved include the Human Rights and Development Organisation (HUDO Centre) as the reporting and advocacy body, the Joint Security Cell (JSC) as the arresting authority, and the 4th Infantry Division in Damazin as the alleged detention site. The Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N) is cited as the group with which the detainees are suspected of collaborating. The eight named detainees, all reportedly from the Hamag tribe, are the direct subjects of these alleged violations. While the Sudanese legal system should ideally provide recourse, its functionality and independence are severely compromised in the current environment.

Attorneys practicing in or monitoring Sudan should be acutely aware of the heightened risks of arbitrary detention, extra-judicial actions, and human rights abuses, particularly in conflict zones like Blue Nile state. It is imperative to monitor reports from human rights organisations for patterns of violations and to document such abuses meticulously, as this information can be vital for future advocacy, potential international legal action, or advising clients on human rights due diligence. Businesses operating in Sudan must reassess their operational risks and ensure their practices align with international human rights standards. The outcome of this specific matter, including any legal proceedings or releases, is not yet reported.