UNICEF calls on Sudan to eliminate death penalty for children under 18
While lauding Sudan for including provisions in its new constitution that strengthen the rights of children and women, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) today called for the elimination of exceptions allowing the death penalty for youngsters under 18.
While lauding Sudan for including provisions in its new constitution that strengthen the rights of children and women, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) today called for the elimination of exceptions allowing the death penalty for youngsters under 18.
Such exceptions contravene the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child stipulating that capital punishment should not be imposed for offences committed by persons below 18 years of age, UNICEF Representative JoAnna Van Gerpen said.
She also urged Sudan to specify 18 as the minimum age for military recruitment or voluntarily joining the armed forces in line with the Optional Protocol to the Convention, to which Sudan is a signatory.
On the positive side, she congratulated Sudan on including several provisions recognizing 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, she noted. Equal access to free primary health care is also provided for and the State is to combat harmful customs and traditions undermining the dignity and status of women.
“Though not specifically mentioned, we assume this includes female genital cutting, which has a devastating physical and social impact on millions of children, women and families every year,” Ms. Van Gerpen said.
The Interim National Constitution was ratified by Sudan’s National Assembly and the legislative council of the formerly rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) earlier this month, following a peace accord in January which formally ended decades of civil war in southern Sudan.
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.
“Ensuring conformity with the international and regional conventions that Sudan has ratified should be a priority in the coming months,” Ms. Van Gerpen said. “This is an opportunity that should not be missed.”