Pa ge 1 Pa ge 15 American Journal of Arts and Human Science (AJAHS) The Role of Good Governance in Promoting Human Rights in Sudan Fawzi Ahmed Abdullah Slom1* Volume 3 Issue 3, Year 2024 ISSN: 2832-451X (Online) DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajahs.v3i3.2884 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajahs Article Information ABSTRACT Received: May 02, 2024 Accepted: June 08, 2024 Published: June 11, 2024 For several decades, Sudan has been plagued by persistent human rights violations, which have caught the attention of the international community, including organizations such as Amnesty International, the African Union, and the United Nations. This paper explores the role of good governance in promoting human rights in Sudan, utilising a qualitative research methodology and collecting secondary data from online sources such as Amnesty International, Sudan Human Rights Report, Human Rights Watch, and Reuters to examine human rights abuses in Sudan from 2010 to 2023, alongside academic journals. A case study approach is used to deeply explore cases of human rights violations in Sudan using secondary data. Findings show that human rights violations persist in Sudan due to ongoing war and state security involvement in violation acts. The research is grounded in John Locke’s social contract theory. The study sheds light on various human rights violations that are prevalent in Sudan, such as arbitrary detention, torture, suppression of freedom of expression, and discrimination, and the consequences of these violations. The article concludes that good governance is essential for protecting and promoting human rights in Sudan and recommends that efforts be made to strengthen governance and foster an environment where human rights are respected and upheld. Keywords Good Governance, Human Rights, Sudan 1 Pan African University: Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, Cameroon * Corresponding author’s email: fawziahmedsolm@gmail.com INTRODUCTION Establishing principles of good governance that recognize the equality of all individuals and uphold the rule of law is crucial for mitigating gross human rights violations and promoting human rights in Sudan. For several decades, Sudan has been plagued by persistent human rights violations, which have caught the attention of the international community, including organisations such as Amnesty International, the African Union, and the United Nations, leading to calls for urgent interventions. The gross violation of human rights in Sudan can be mitigated by establishing principles of governance that recognise the equality of all individuals and uphold the notion that everyone is equal before the law (United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 2007). This necessitates the implementation of a comprehensive framework that ensures the protection of fundamental human rights, including but not limited to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Amnesty International (2023) argues that the violation of human rights in Sudan is a longstanding issue perpetuated by both state agencies and non-state agencies like military and rebel groups, resulting in physical and fatal harm In Sudan, freedom of expression was severely restricted, and the internet, the contemporary means of voicing one’s opinions (Castells, n.d), was shut down. There have been instances where security agencies have used excessive force against protesters, resulting in the death of dozens and injuries to thousands of others. Women and children who participated in the protests were unlawfully detained and ill-treated, and some even forcibly disappeared. In addition, non-state militia groups were responsible for killing and injuring hundreds of civilians in the West Darfur region (Qiblawi, Goodwin, Elbagir & Alkhaldi, 2023). Moore and Welch (2015) argue that the violation of human rights in Sudan and other African countries is often linked to a desire for power. They argue that many African leaders engage in corrupt practices, such as plundering, defrauding, embezzling, and mismanaging their country’s natural and human resources with impunity (Fagbadebo & Dorasamy, 2021). This increases citizens’ poverty, unemployment, and high crime rates Vanguard, (2022). Akinyetun, (2016) contend that rather than addressing these issues through necessary policy changes, African governments have been known to utilise state security agencies to suppress citizens’ dissatisfaction (Roberts, (2023). Grasse, Matfess, and Curtice (2021) maintain that this often leads to protests, conflicts, and, in some cases, the formation of rebellious groups. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948 cited in (Folke Bernadotte Academy, 2020), it is the responsibility of the state to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights. However, due to governance inefficiencies, this duty is often neglected, and the state is also involved in the act of violation of human rights violations. Despite international efforts to promote human rights and good governance, Sudan has faced significant challenges in upholding fundamental rights and freedoms (Amnesty International, 2023). The lack of effective governance structures, institutional corruption, political instability, and ongoing conflict have contributed to widespread human rights violations. These violations include arbitrary detention, censorship, torture, and discrimination (Amnesty International, 2023). Pa ge 16 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajahs Am. J. Arts Hum. Sci. 3(3) 15-22, 2024 In 2019, following a thirty-year presidency under Omar al-Bashir, Sudan saw a change in leadership with the appointment of a military council. Unfortunately, the events leading up to and following al-Bashir’s removal were plagued by egregious human rights violations against demonstrators. Starting in December of 2018, the security forces of the government frequently used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators, arrested political opponents and activists, censored media outlets, and blocked internet access (Mahé, 2019). The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), RSF is a paramilitary group historically known as Janjaweed in Darfur implicate in a very brutal crimes happened in a last two decades which include genocide and war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. in Darfur beginning in 2013, continued to carry out repressive measures after April 11 (Human Rights Watch, 2020). In 2023, in the capital city of Sudan, Khartoum, a conflict erupted between two military forces, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Unfortunately, both forces have been using heavy explosive weapons in densely populated areas, which has resulted in countless civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian property and critical infrastructure (Amnesty International, n.d). According to Schlein (2023), this conflict has left approximately 9,000 people dead, with 5.4 million people being forcibly displaced - 4.1 million within Sudan and 1 million in neighbouring countries. The current situation in Sudan has generated a sense of fear and instability among its citizens because the state security agencies established primarily to protect lives and property are the ones violating human rights, thereby compromising the principles of justice and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights. Therefore, analysing how good governance policies can influence human rights outcomes in Sudan is crucial. This examination will help us identify the significant impediments and openings for enhancing the protection and promotion of human rights through effective governance mechanisms. The objectives of this paper are to outline various forms of human rights violations in Sudan and the role of good governance in putting an end to these acts. LITERATURE REVIEW Conceptual Review The Concept of Governance Scholars and international organisations have examined the concept of governance over the years ((Rhodes, 2007; Fukuyama, 2016). Some have conceptualised it as a system where different institutions function in accordance with constitutional and democratic processes and norms, with some level of interaction amongst these institutions. According to (United Nations Development Programme, 2020), how authority is used to administer a nation’s political, social, and economic resources is known as its governance. In order to meet the demands and interests of the populace, policies, rules, and regulations must be developed and put into effect. Transparency, accountability, involvement, and the rule of law are necessary for effective governance. It involves state and non-state players like government agencies, civil society organisations, and the commercial sector and spans multiple levels, including local, national, and global. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP, n.d.), governance refers to the use of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at every level. The concept of governance encompasses a range of mechanisms, processes, and institutions that allow citizens and groups to express their interests, exercise their legal rights, fulfil their obligations, and resolve their differences (United Nations Development Programme (n.d.). The term governance and good governance are frequently used in literature. It is commonly regarded that bad governance is the root of many societal problems (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, n.d.) evidenced in Sudan. While good governance is a system of governing that aims to minimise corruption, consider the views of minorities, and give a voice to the most vulnerable members of society in decision-making. It is also designed to be responsive to society’s current and future needs (UNESCAP, n.d.; Neena, 2014). There are eight major characteristics of good governance: it is participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law (UNESCAP, n.d.). The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in its publication (2007), conceptualised good governance as the use of authority through political and institutional processes that are transparent and accountable and promote public participation. Therefore, with the above conceptualisation, good governance is seen as an environment that is conclusive to the sustainable development of human beings and the protection of the enjoyment of human rights. The Concept of Human Rights According to (United Nations, 2020), regardless of colour, gender, religion, or nationality, everyone has the intrinsic right to human rights due to their shared humanity. They include civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights and are all-encompassing, indivisible, and interrelated. International legal instruments that uphold human rights include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), treaties, and conventions that governments have approved. Johnson and Salau (2019) defined human rights as rules and norms that have evolved to protect the masses, minorities, groups and races from oppressors and governments. They further explained that human rights are intrinsic to human nature, making these rights changeless and difficult to abridge by positive laws. Idowu (2018) asserts that human rights are rights which belong to an individual as a consequence of being a human being and for no other reason. He went on Pa ge 17 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajahs Am. J. Arts Hum. Sci. 3(3) 15-22, 2024 to clarify that human rights should be seen as those rights that individuals possess by virtue of being a member of society, and there is no other qualification needed for such an individual to be considered as one who enjoys human rights. The fundamental human rights principles encompass universality, inalienability, interdependence and indivisibility, and non-discrimination (Leila, 2020). This means everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, is inherently entitled to these fundamental rights, which cannot be taken away. Furthermore, all human rights are interconnected, with the fulfilment of one right often relying on the fulfilment of others. Finally, these principles ensure equal treatment and protection for all, free from any form of discrimination (Ibid.). Fukuyama (2016) argues that Human rights and governance are intimately related, with the preservation and advancement of human rights depending on efficient governance. He contends that upholding the values of human rights and guaranteeing that the rights of persons are recognised, safeguarded, and realised requires the implementation of good governance practices, he maintains that accountability, transparency, and the rule of law are essential for the protection and promotion of human rights standards. Anthony (2013), on the other hand, notes that one important sign of a successful government is fulfilling human rights. He argues that the human rights of citizens must be respected, safeguarded, and upheld by governments; otherwise, he maintains that inadequacies in governance procedures and frameworks may become apparent. Fukuyama (2016) argues that Fundamental ideas such as human rights and governance are necessary for the well-being of individuals and the operation of a democratic society. Effective governance practices protect and promote human rights, and human rights realisation is a significant sign of good governance. Addink (2019) contends that policymakers, civil society groups, and other stakeholders can endeavour to create more inclusive, egalitarian, and just societies by knowing how governance and human rights are related. Social Contract Theory John Locke’s social contract theory (1988), provides a poignant lens for examining the relationship between good governance and promoting human rights in Sudan. At the core of Locke’s theory is the concept that governments gain their authority from the consent of those they govern and bear the duty of safeguarding the natural rights of citizens (Laskar, 2013). In Sudan, where oppressive regimes have frequently disregarded human rights and quashed opposition (Amnesty International, 2023), applying Locke’s social contract theory to governance highlights the significance of government credibility founded on the approval of the populace. Examining Sudan’s governance systems and actions using this perspective reveals that needs to be improved in protecting human rights. It emphasises the necessity of reforms to bring governance in line with its responsibilities to its people. Moreover, Locke’s theory underscores the obligation of government to safeguard individual liberties, including freedom of expression, association, and access to justice (Laskar, 2013). Effective governance in Sudan necessitates mechanisms for accountability, transparency, and the rule of law to prevent abuses of power and human rights violations. By scrutinising governance practices in Sudan within the context of Locke’s social contract theory, one can discern opportunities for enhancing accountability mechanisms and strengthening human rights protections (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d). This framework offers a roadmap for advocating reforms that promote good governance, protect human rights, and foster a more just and equitable society in Sudan. MATERIALS AND METHODS This paper employs a qualitative research approach to analyse the role of good governance in promoting human rights in Sudan, it encompasses a comprehensive analysis of qualitative data. Secondary data from diverse sources, such as reports from the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, archives, academic journals and online sources, is collected and analysed using content analysis. By relying on secondary data and qualitative analysis, a case study approach is used to deeply explore cases of human rights violations in Sudan using secondary data, this methodology provides a thorough understanding of the current state of human rights in Sudan and the potential role of good governance in improving the situation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The finding from the literature shows that the human rights situation in Sudan is characterised by a pervasive culture of impunity. The results indicated that those responsible for violations rarely held accountable. The literature shows that the government has failed to protect its citizens from human rights abuses and, in many cases, the finding shows that the government has been complicit in perpetrating these violations. The literature shows that the humanitarian situation is also dire, with millions of people displaced, injured, or in need of assistance (Amnesty International, 2023). Excessive Use of Force The finding shows that the use of force, including the use of less-lethal weapons such as teargas, has been excessive and disproportionate in Sudan. The literature consulted revealed that security forces have employed tear gas and live ammunition against peaceful protesters, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. The use of force has been indiscriminate, with security forces targeting enclosed spaces and peaceful assemblies. On June 3, 2019, security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters in Khartoum, killing over 100 people and injuring many more (Human Rights Watch, 2022). In October 2021, security forces Pa ge 18 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajahs Am. J. Arts Hum. Sci. 3(3) 15-22, 2024 used live ammunition against protesters in Khartoum, resulting in at least 15 deaths and many injuries (Amnesty International, 2023). Torture and Cruel Treatment Torture and cruel treatment have been widespread, with security forces employing physical and sexual violence against detainees. Women have been particularly affected, with reports of sexual assault and rape (Amnesty International, 2023). The use of torture and cruel treatment has been aimed at suppressing political dissent and punishing opposition (Human Rights Watch, 2015). In 2020, the Sudanese government was accused of torturing and abusing detainees, including political opponents and activists. In 2019, a report by the Sudanese Archive found that torture and ill-treatment were widespread in Sudanese detention centres (Sudan Human Rights Report, 2020). Killing and Displacement The conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant human suffering, with hundreds of civilians killed and thousands displaced. the former regime was also use force displacement as a policy and means of war in Darfur which is now one of the crimes on the list of the ICC against the Janjaweed leader (Ali Kushaib) but also on the list of charges against (Bashair and others) The use of live ammunition and artillery has caused widespread destruction, with many civilians trapped in conflict zones. The conflict in Darfur has resulted in an estimated 300,000 deaths and over 2.5 million displaced people since 2003 (Reuters, 2022; Human Rights Watch ,2024). In 2020, the Sudanese military launched airstrikes on civilian areas in Kassala State, killing at least 15 people and displacing many more (Reuters, 2022). Restrictions on Civil Liberties The government has imposed significant restrictions on civil liberties, including freedom of expression, Security forces have used excessive force to quell peaceful protests, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths. In addition, journalists attempting to cover these events have been unlawfully arrested and detained, hindering the free flow of information. The government-imposed internet shutdowns and media censorship, which led to restricted access to information and expression for several weeks (Amnesty International, 2024) Restrictions on Peaceful Assembly and Association The government has restricted the right to peaceful assembly and association, with security forces violently dispersing protests and arresting opposition members. Civil society organizations have faced significant restrictions, with many forced to shut down or operate underground. Security forces violently dispersed peaceful protests, arresting many opposition members and activists (Henry, 2023). In 2019 the government banned several civil society organizations, including the Sudanese Human Rights Association (Human Rights Watch, 2022). Factors Contributing to Human Rights Violations in Sudan Long stretches of military conflict, authoritarian regimes, and illiberal democracies have defined Sudan’s recent history (Amnesty International, 2023). Concurrently, there has been a dearth of procedures for the efficient application of human rights and a severe lack of acknowledgement of such rights under the Constitution. These combined conditions have resulted in a scenario of chronic and significant human rights breaches, especially in light of broader concerns about respect for the rule of law (Sun, 2023). Numerous lawsuits, both domestically and at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, show that victims of these kinds of violations in Sudan lack access to meaningful remedies. Furthermore, accountability for abuses of human rights is essentially non-existent (ibid.). This was supposed to change with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which put an end to the North-South conflict (Accord, 2006). It contained several promises about human rights, which served as the foundation for the 2005 Interim National Constitution’s Bill of Rights. This Constitution establishes the right to a Bill of Rights automatically incorporated into any treaty to which Sudan is a party, acknowledges a number of rights, and gives the newly created Constitutional Court the authority to consider cases involving constitutional rights violations. Nyadera (2018) states that several institutional reforms, particularly those in the security sector, are also envisaged. Various causative factors have contributed to the rise of human rights violations in Sudan. Insufficient justice and violations of human rights. The nation’s security agencies have been unable to deliver public services, particularly justice and security, to its citizens (Amnesty International, 2021). The army operated with impunity throughout the years of the separatist struggle against Sudan, and this status persisted after independence when the army violated human rights and put down anti-government rallies, as demonstrated by the 2013 Nuer-Juba massacre and the civil war that followed (The Organization for World Peace, 2023). Furthermore, the military presence in the area lacks professionalism, resembling more of a militia group, leading to challenges in maintaining stability. Another critical concern is the scarce provision of security services by the government, primarily focused in Juba’s capital city. Consequently, over 90% of conflicts are settled through traditional legal means (Santschi, 2014). These informal processes, often unsupervised by institutions, result in severe human rights abuses, especially against ethnic groups, and cause significant trauma for civilians, particularly women and children, who bear the brunt of this humanitarian crisis (Institute for Peace and Security Studies, 2019). Poor Institutional Resilience also a factor contributing to the violation of human rights in Sudan; the incapacity of a suitable institution to handle and resolve conflicts that Pa ge 19 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajahs Am. J. Arts Hum. Sci. 3(3) 15-22, 2024 split the army and the populace at large is also connected to the crisis in Sudan (Lunn, 2016). Above and beyond the political dispute, Sudan also has an institutional capacity deficit, of which the state’s institutional weakness appears to be one example. Ethnic grouping and personality constituted the foundation for the creation of institutions (De Waal, 2014). Corruption is a major determinant of whether the Sudanese government upholds human rights standards. It clearly demonstrates how economic, social, and cultural rights are interdependent with civil and political rights. Official corruption can significantly impact a government’s ability to uphold its commitments to economic, social, and cultural rights. In its most basic form, resource theft for the personal benefit of dishonest officials reduces a government’s ability to spend on infrastructure necessary for appropriate health care, education, food, and water. One of the cornerstones of international human rights is the right to equal treatment under the law, which is typically violated by corruption. Corrupt practices violate the non-discrimination principle by denying certain people and groups protections and access to public goods while giving others preferential treatment. (Verini, 2014) Impact of Human Rights Violations Increase in Crime and Violence The first impact of human rights violations that will be considered in this paper is the adverse effects that violations have on the people and, in turn, result in crime and violence in the communities. The increase in the level of crimes and violence can sometimes be attributed to cases of human rights violations (Adenrele & Olugbenga, 2014), as witnessed in the conflicts in Khartoum and Darfur (Amnesty International, 2023; Lodhi, 2024). There have been certain instances in several countries around the world where, at the time, they experienced violations such as social exclusion, political violence and economic inequality. The people tend to have the notion that their human rights are not being respected; therefore, they engage in forceful criminal activities and also use violence as a medium to show their grievances while also seeking to be heard and changes are made to such situations. Hence, these not only affect public or social cohesion in communities but also undermine the rule of law and negate public safety. Psychological Impact The impact which human rights violations have on individual psychological or mental health within a society can never or should not be underestimated. In most cases, when people are exposed to violations or abuses, the sad taste of those experiences tends to live with them for a very long time, which therefore impedes the wellness of the individual psychological health (O’Malley Archives (n.d.). These violation cases have long-term consequences for the people and their communities. Those who are victims of human rights violations are said to suffer psychological or mental health issues such as post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression; they can also have frequent suicidal thoughts, trauma, fear, helplessness, trust issues and other forms of mental health disorder (Ibid.). As such, these psychological issues have ripple effects on society, in the fact that they can lead many to become substance abusers, domestic violence and many social problems that continue to undermine communal cohesion and resilience. Economic Disruption In cases where the people of a community are subjected to violations and violence erupts as a result of this violation, it must be noted that these will lead to loss of economic opportunities available in the communities and also lead to disruption of all economic activities as such the people are subjected to violence or oppression which in turn leads to unemployment, loss of livelihood, poverty and also give rise to several adverse social outcomes. Loss of Social Trust and Equality When individuals in communities are exposed to the dangers of human rights violations, especially when a particular group feels marginalised and is at a disadvantage to others within the community, they become more distrustful of the organs of government and other people. Hence, disunity is created among the people of such communities, leading to weakened social bonds crucial for collective progress and well-being. Human right violation, in turn, promotes social inequality and create division between the people in a society Good Governance and Human Rights Protection Over the years, scholars have debated the relationship between good governance and human rights. They have identified certain attributes exhibited by some governments in certain nations of the world that have resulted in violations of individual rights. These violations go against the core principles of liberty promoted by the entrenchment of human rights principles (Yagboyaju & Akinola, 2019). Consequently, Kumari T. (2017), in his article “Good Governance and Human right” opined that there is some level of interconnectivity that exists between good governance and human rights in which both are mutually reinforcing, as they are based on core principles of participation, accountability, transparency and State responsibility. He further reiterated that human right empowers a good governance framework, therefore insisting that although human right empowers people to be protected and respected, they still need the mechanism of the state, which can only be a result of good governance. In the same vein, Dipsikha Guragain & and Aakriti Subedi (2022) also concluded in their article “Good Governance and Human Rights” that both concepts are mutually connected, thereby promoting transparency and accountability, which further help strengthen engagements and effective communication among government and other institutions of the state Pa ge 20 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajahs Am. J. Arts Hum. Sci. 3(3) 15-22, 2024 who work in support of the enactment of human right principles and also the victims of human right violation. Similarly, the UNHCHR (2007), in its publication “Good Governance Practices for the Protection of Human Rights”, asserted that some level of mutual connectivity exists between governance and human rights. They further explained that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides the core values that the government and political and social actors in a state tend to abide by when carrying out their duties; as such, it makes for an avenue in which the government in its dealings are held accountable. In their words, they believed that the synergy between these two can be assessed on four levels, which they termed democratic institutions, the delivery of state services, the rule of law, and anti-corruption measures. It shows how various social and institutional actors, ranging from women and minority groups to the media, civil society and State agencies, have reformed these four areas. Also, Manoj K. (2006) established a link between these two concepts in his article “Human Rights and Good Governance.” He concluded that they complement each other and share their core values/principles. He stated that for the ultimate protection and promotion of Human rights, there is a need for a conducive and enabling environment where the appropriate regulations, institutions, and procedures are put into action by the State. Hence, when we consider the ideas that have been examined above, there is an establishment to the fact that once there is some form of dysconnectivity between this concept in a state, then the place for violations of the rights of the people whereby causing for the need of the institutionalising of effective and e4fficient system and procedures to help strengthen the promotion and respect for the right of the people within the confines of the territory of a state. Therefore, this assertion may be why, in some countries of the world, there have been numerous violations of human rights to the atonement of either the state or non-state actors. Hence, in the idea of Joshua. A & Salau O. (2019) opined in their article that when the mechanism of a state allows for disrespect to the right which is to be enjoyed by the people, then the expected relation between governance and human rights cannot be attained. As such, they advocated that all states must remove all forms of hindrance to the people’s economic, social, and social mobilisation while also creating avenues through which people can fully participate in the process and benefits of development. They concluded that the government, under review in the article, must show commitment to ensuring security and safeguarding the rights of the people without any compromise that may arise from class, ethnicity, gender, or political views, amongst others. It must also be noted that human rights and governance are synonymous with each other in that they both have a role in ascertaining the actual and true nature of individuals concerning their commitment to service whilst ensuring that their right is respected in society. In concurrence with the above statement, Idowu A. (2018) stresses the importance of upholding human rights standards across all sectors, institutions, and leaders, and complying with court decisions while avoiding disobedience of court orders. Implementing this approach can go a long way in fostering a sustainable human rights culture in various African nations. Therefore, leaders on all fronts need to adopt effective and efficient mechanisms and approaches that will help strengthen and uphold human rights institutions in the country. Human rights violations should not be witnessed anymore in contemporary society, and this can only be true if the state allows for a system and mechanisms that support the enactment of such rights and liberties to be enjoyed by the people. CONCLUSION Human rights abuses have become a significant problem in Sudan, with both state and nonstate actors being responsible. These violations and abuses have caused the loss of many lives, injuries to thousands of people, the destruction of properties, and an increase in internal displacement in Sudan. Furthermore, many Sudanese citizens have left their country to seek refuge in neighbouring nations. The consequences of these violations are huge, causing more conflict, psychological, economic and social effects. Therefore, it is essential to institute good governance in Sudan. This will ensure free and fair elections in the country, leading to changes in government rather than military overthrows of civilian governments. Additionally, good governance principles will ensure the inclusion of all citizens of the country. To achieve this, international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and other civil societies need to intervene to address these fundamental human rights violations. RECOMMENDATIONS To address human rights violations in Sudan, a robust and transparent legal system and a reliable mechanism for enforcing legal protections must be established. All stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the international community, must collaborate to realise this objective. The Sudan government should establish and enforce laws that grant comprehensive protection of human rights. These laws should clearly define and criminalise human rights abuses, such as torture, discrimination, and arbitrary detention. The government should also take steps to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations, as this will prevent future occurrences of such acts. This includes thoroughly investigating allegations of abuse, ensuring fair and impartial trials, and providing reparations to victims. Local mechanisms that promote the truth and enhance justice, healing, and reintegration should be established. These mechanisms must address the historical causes Pa ge 21 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajahs Am. J. Arts Hum. Sci. 3(3) 15-22, 2024 of human rights violations from their roots and must also address war crimes committed against citizens. This will provide an environment for accepting punishment, healing, and reconciliation. The political governance system needs to be restructured from kleptocracy leadership to democratic governance based on good governance practices. Good governance leads to fewer violations of Sudanese human rights, so corruption and human rights violations can be monitored. Sudan also needs to actively cooperate with international human rights bodies, non-governmental organisations, and other countries to strengthen human rights protections. This includes accepting visits and investigations by UN human rights experts and engaging in constructive dialogue. REFERENCES Adenrele, A. R. & Olugbenga, O. M. (2014). 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