Background

South Sudan's largest social problem is that of polygamy, which occurs when a man has more than one wife at a time. In some parts of Sudan certain men have married dozens of wives. Polygamy is an outdated practice that must be abandoned in order to advance Sudan's society socially. Currently families marry off their daughters in exchange for financial gifts from the husband's family. The daughter during this scenario is almost always very young, is forced to participate in the marriage, and has no protection from abuse from the husband. Sudan's Transitional Constitution is silent about the practice of polygamy, which essentially denies young girls their proper human rights, all in the name of culture and tradition.

Impact on Human Rights

After an interim lasting five and a half years under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which marked the end of nearly two decades of civil war with northern Sudan, South Sudan emerged as an independent nation on 9 July 2011. In spite of the referendum's success, complicated post-CPA negotiations have continued between Sudan and South Sudan, particularly with respect to border demarcating and the management of petroleum resources. The Transitional Constitution of the new Republic of South Sudan made far-reaching provisions in its bill of rights, which guarantee civil, political, economic and social rights to citizens of the Republic. The new government of South Sudan has attempted to create a new society where respect for human rights and democratic principles is ensured. Nonetheless the government has demonstrated a lack of tolerance for political opposition. For example, the government frequently restricts the freedoms of expression and the press; those who hold contrary political views are vulnerable to harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention. South Sudan's human rights have suffered from activities of rebel militia groups (RMGs), as well as from inter-ethnic clashes. The climate of extreme poverty and underdevelopment has caused economic and social rights to remain largely unfulfilled, with poor access to food, health, clean and safe water, sanitation, education, and adequate housing. South Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, which may be exacerbated by the rise of HIV.

Decades of instability due to infighting between rival warlords since Somalia’s independence in 1960 have led to conflict and numerous incidents of human rights violations. Formerly a British protectorate and an Italian colony, Somalia became a socialist state under the rule of President Siad Barre in 1970. However, after Barre's deposition from power in 1991, opposing clans failed to agree on who should control the government. Since then Somalia has been regarded as a failed state for the most of the early 21st century. In 2012, Somalia established a formal parliament and chose a new president. Due to the long conflict of war and violence, though, Somalia is not yet completely stable.

Impact on Human Rights:

The most pressing issue in Somalia is widespread sexual violence and rape against girls and women. Instances of rape are especially predominant among Internally Displaced Persons and are usually instigated by government soldiers. Another problem is Sharia Law, installed by the extremist group Al-Shabab, which also controls most of southern and central Somalia. Western-style trial processes are not followed and are instead replaced by severe punishment for arbitrary crimes, such as stoning to death for adultery or the amputation of hands or legs for thievery.

After Italy left Eritrea in 1952, Ethiopia annexed Eritrean land. This was followed by 30 years of war and conflict in which Eritrea tried to gain independence. Eventually, Eritrea did gain independence. However, the borders were not clearly defined. The primary reason for the recent conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea is that Ethiopia no longer has a border along the Red Sea due to Eritrea’s indpendence. Thus, it must rely on going through other countries (such as Eritrea) to ship and trade goods by sea.

Impact on Human Rights:

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In the middle of 2011, many countries in East Africa were hit by a crippling drought due to lack of rain. As a result, Ethiopia, Somalia, and parts of northern Kenya suffered the world's worst recorded food crisis. High food prices also amplified the effects of the food shortage and denied many poor families access to food. Sources of water were depleted and grazing pastures dried up, causing livestock to die. Slaughtered livestock ruins the economic livelihood of many families that depend on the animals for products to sell. Due to the lack of water and rain, East Africa has suffered a shortage of human resources.

Impact on Human Rights:

Due to the lack of food and water, people have been denied the basic rights to live. 13 million people are in need of food, clean water, and basic sanitation. 15% of children in the region suffer from malnutrition. All people are guaranteed the right to live, including (but not limited to) food, water and shelter. Since the drought and subsequent food crisis rid the region of food and water, people cannot have those basic rights.