Sudan: Report on Slavery, Abductions and Forced Servitude

We are pleased with the findings of the report issued yesterday in Khartoum by the International Slavery Commission. Slavery exists in Sudan, and this report points the way toward ending it. The report specifically cites the need for Sudanese Government civilian authorities to control militias and armed forces that are responsible for slave raids, and for the elimination of the infamous supply train that supports government outposts in the south and from which raiding parties originate. Sudanese authorities must also enforce laws against slavery and prosecute those involved. The report further recommends strengthening institutions that identify and return abducted persons, and calls upon the international community to set up a monitoring mechanism to bring about an end to slave raids.