Rights group warns the u s against swift normalization with sudan

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Rights Group Warns US Against Swift Normalization with Sudan

A leading human rights group has urged the United States to exercise caution and not rush into normalizing relations with Sudan, citing concerns over the country's human rights record and ongoing conflicts.

The warning comes as the US and Sudan are reportedly close to finalizing a deal to remove Sudan from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that would pave the way for normalization of relations between the two countries.

In a statement, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that while it welcomes the progress made by Sudan in recent years, including the removal of President Omar al-Bashir from power, there are still significant concerns about the country's human rights record.

"Sudan has made some progress, but it is still far from meeting its human rights obligations," said Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW's Middle East director. "The US should not rush into normalizing relations without ensuring that Sudan takes concrete steps to address its human rights abuses and ensure accountability for past atrocities."

HRW highlighted several concerns, including the ongoing conflict in Darfur, where thousands of people have been killed and displaced since 2003, and the government's crackdown on protests and opposition groups.

The group also expressed concern about the lack of progress on transitional justice, including the establishment of a special court to try those responsible for human rights abuses during the al-Bashir regime.

The US has been negotiating with Sudan to remove it from the state sponsors of terrorism list, which would lift economic sanctions and allow for greater cooperation on issues such as counter-terrorism and trade.

However, HRW warned that normalizing relations too quickly could undermine the progress made by Sudan and embolden the government to continue its human rights abuses.

"The US should prioritize human rights and ensure that any normalization of relations is conditional on Sudan's commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring accountability for past abuses," said Whitson.

The US State Department has not commented on the reports of a deal to remove Sudan from the state sponsors of terrorism list, but has expressed support for Sudan's transition to democracy and its efforts to address human rights concerns.

In recent years, Sudan has made some progress on human rights, including the release of political prisoners and the establishment of a transitional government. However, the country still faces significant challenges, including ongoing conflicts and human rights abuses.