[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

SUDAN (Tier 2) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Sudan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.  The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity, if any; therefore Sudan remained on Tier 2.  These efforts included increasing investigations, prosecutions, and convictions; identifying child trafficking victims among militia members; and providing training on the illegality of recruitment or use of children as soldiers in civilian protection and military forces.  However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.  Insecurity hindered Sudan’s ability to accurately report on anti-trafficking efforts for this reporting period.  Authorities continued to conflate human trafficking with migrant smuggling, hindering law enforcement efforts.  For the fourth consecutive year, the government did not disseminate or implement SOPs, developed in partnership with an international organization, for victim identification and referral to care for child trafficking victims.  The government has yet to investigate or prosecute any officials for forced recruitment or use of child soldiers.

Prioritized Recommendations

Ensure all identified trafficking victims are referred to appropriate protective services.  

Increase training for security and judicial officials on distinguishing human trafficking from other crimes such as migrant smuggling and kidnapping for ransom.  

Ensure authorities do not inappropriately penalize trafficking victims for crimes committed as a direct result of being trafficked.  

Increase efforts to investigate and prosecute traffickers, including complicit officials in forced recruitment or use of child soldiers, and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms.  

Coordinate with civil society and international organizations to disseminate and implement SOPs for victim identification and referral to care for child trafficking victims and develop SOPs for adult trafficking victims.  

Provide sufficient staff and resources to the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT).  

Implement and dedicate adequate resources to the 2021-2023 national anti-trafficking action plan.  

Partner with civil society, international organizations, and the private sector to establish additional shelter options for trafficking victims.  

Develop a data collection and information management system in collaboration with international organizations to more effectively organize law enforcement data.  

Draft and finalize a standalone smuggling law to enhance judicial officials’ ability to prosecute migrant smuggling crimes separate from human trafficking crimes.