The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI)
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) is a national civil society organization dedicated to the promotion, protection, and advancement of human rights in Sudan. SHRI works to strengthen respect for civil and political rights, promote accountability, and support legal and institutional reforms in line with international human rights standards.
SHRI operates through extensive national networks of human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, and civil society actors, and engages at national, regional, and international levels
Protecting human rights for all in sudan
About us
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) is an independent, non-governmental organization founded in 2007 by Sudanese lawyers in response to widespread human rights violations. SHRI works to defend the rights of the Sudanese people and strengthen civil society across the country.
We are a membership-based organization of over 5,000 individuals, supported by a network of volunteers inside and outside Sudan.
What We Do
- Technical assistance and capacity building
- Monitoring and documenting human rights violations
- Providing legal aid and protection services
- Conducting research and knowledge production
- Advocating for legal and policy reform
Impact
5,000+ members across national networks | Nationwide presence and grassroots engagement | Legal aid, strategic litigation and capacity building | Technical assistance and institutional strengthening | Engagement with UN mechanisms and regional human rights bodies | Strengthening access to justice and protection of vulnerable groups
Our Approach
SHRI combines legal expertise, community engagement, and international advocacy to address human rights challenges in Sudan. We work with civil society actors, legal professionals, and international partners to ensure sustainable change and accountability.
Mission & Core Values
Our Work
Human Rights Monitoring & Reporting
SHRI investigates allegations and risks of human rights violations across Sudan by engaging with authorities, the judiciary, law enforcement, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders.
Our work supports:
- Protection of civilians and at-risk groups
- Legal and policy reform
- Victim redress and accountability
- Capacity building and awareness raising
- Human rights documentation and reporting
SHRI also publishes periodic reports and uses digital platforms to share updates on the human rights situation in Sudan.
Advocacy & Campaigning
SHRI works through a national advocacy network of over 5,000 members, including human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, youth groups, and community leaders.
We coordinate specialized networks for:
- Lawyers
- Human rights defenders
- Journalists
- Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Network
Our advocacy focuses on addressing urgent human rights violations, strengthening protections, and influencing policy reform across Sudan, including Blue Nile, Darfur, Red Sea, River Nile, Kordofan, White Nile, Khartoum, and Gezira states.
International Engagement
Since 2014, SHRI has engaged with:
- The UN Human Rights Council
- The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process
- The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
- International missions and UN agencies
We advocate for stronger international mechanisms to monitor and respond to human rights violations in Sudan.
Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Network
Our mission is to:
- Protect human rights defenders
- Strengthen their safety and capacity
- Promote coordination and advocacy
- Build national and international partnerships
We provide training and integrate defenders into reporting and early warning systems on human rights violations.
NETWORKS
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Lawyers’ Network
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) coordinates and strengthens a nationwide network of Sudanese lawyers and human rights advocates committed to advancing justice and accountability.
Through this network, SHRI builds the capacity of legal professionals to engage with international human rights standards and effective advocacy strategies. The initiative supports collaboration, provides specialized training, and fosters partnerships between lawyers, civil society actors, and human rights defenders.
Impact & Success Stories
SHRI’s Lawyers’ Network has achieved significant results in advancing justice and protecting human rights across Sudan, including:
- Child Protection and Justice
Network members have brought over 100 cases before the Child Court in Khartoum State, contributing to the protection of children’s rights within the Children and Family Protection Unit. - Accountability for Incitement and Extremism
SHRI lawyers filed a criminal case against a prominent extremist figure linked to the former regime, demonstrating commitment to accountability and the rule of law. - Landmark Freedom of Religion Case
SHRI staff and network members represented Meriam Ibrahim in her successful appeal against a death sentence for apostasy, marking a major victory for freedom of religion or belief. - Addressing Sexual Violence and Torture
The network has filed multiple cases on behalf of survivors of sexual violence amounting to torture, seeking justice through Sudanese courts. - Release of Arbitrarily Detained Individuals
Through SHRI’s legal office, network members contributed critical evidence leading to the release of 88 individuals detained following the conflict in the Blue Nile region. - Defense in Apostasy Cases
Network members defended 27 individuals accused of apostasy, coordinating legal and media advocacy that resulted in the withdrawal of charges and their release.
Our Approach
SHRI’s Lawyers’ Network combines legal expertise with strategic advocacy to:
- Promote accountability and access to justice
- Protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief
- Support vulnerable groups, including women and children
- Strengthen the role of lawyers in advancing human rights
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Journalists’ Network
SHRI strengthens independent journalism and human rights reporting through training and networking.
We support journalists to report on:
- Human rights violations
- Freedom of religion or belief
- Access to justice
- Accountability and governance
Our trainings promote ethical and impactful human rights reporting.
Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Network
SHRI’s FoRB Network works to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief across Sudan.
We focus on:
- Promoting tolerance and coexistence
- Addressing discrimination and intolerance
- Supporting legal and policy reforms on FoRB
- Strengthening awareness and advocacy
The network brings together civil society actors, legal professionals, and human rights defenders working on religious freedom issues.
Human Rights Defenders Network
SHRI’s Human Rights Defenders Network strengthens the protection, coordination, and capacity of defenders across Sudan.
Focus areas:
- Protection and safety
- Capacity building
- Coordination and advocacy
- Early warning and reporting systems
The Voices of Women Defenders in Sudan’s Transition Network
The Voices of Women Defenders in Sudan’s Transition is a women’s rights project implemented by the Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) to strengthen the role of women in promoting justice, equality, and accountability in Sudan.
The project established a national network of women human rights defenders, bringing together survivors, activists, lawyers, and journalists to advance women’s rights within transitional justice processes.
Through consultations and training workshops, women strengthened their capacities in advocacy, documentation, and storytelling, creating a safe space to share experiences and highlight violations affecting women and girls.
Key Results
- Establishment of a national Women Defenders Network on transitional justice
- Strengthened capacity of women activists in advocacy, documentation, and storytelling
- Safe platforms created for women to share testimonies of violations and detention
- Production of a booklet documenting women’s experiences and voices
- Increased public awareness on women’s rights and transitional justice through media outreach and public events
- Enhanced collaboration and solidarity among women’s rights defenders across Sudan
Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) engages with the United Nations Human Rights Council through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. SHRI submits independent stakeholder reports that provide evidence-based analysis of the human rights situation in Sudan.
These reports document key human rights concerns and contribute to international accountability and reform efforts.
Key Focus Areas
- Rule of law and accountability
- Freedom of expression and association
- Freedom of religion or belief
- Arbitrary arrest and detention
- Protection of human rights defenders
- Civic space and civil society participation
Objectives
- Document and report human rights violations in Sudan
- Provide evidence-based recommendations to UN mechanisms
- Strengthen accountability and legal reforms
- Support protection of human rights defenders
- Amplify voices of affected communities
UPR Submissions by SHRI
SHRI has contributed to multiple UPR cycles, including:
- UPR 2016 Cycle – Focus on restrictions on civil liberties, rule of law concerns, and civic space limitations
- UPR 2021 Cycle – Focus on transitional justice, human rights protections, and accountability mechanisms
- UPR 2026 Cycle – Ongoing submission focusing on current conflict-related violations, protection of civilians, and strengthening human rights compliance
Impact
Through its participation in the UPR process, SHRI helps ensure that human rights conditions in Sudan are reviewed at the international level. The organization’s submissions are used by UN member states to issue recommendations aimed at improving laws, policies, and institutional practices
UPR sudan
Honouring Journalist Mohamed El-Fatih Yousif Humma
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) announces the launch of its first Press Freedom Award 2026, an initiative aimed at recognizing courageous journalism and promoting freedom of expression in Sudan.
This year’s award is presented to journalist Mohamed El-Fatih Yousif Humma in recognition of his outstanding contributions to independent journalism and human rights reporting, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Darfur.
At a time when Sudan continues to face severe challenges, including armed conflict, restricted civic space, and threats to media freedom, journalists operate under increasingly difficult and dangerous conditions.
His work has contributed to raising awareness around humanitarian conditions, patterns of abuse, and the urgent need for accountability and protection.
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) remains committed to defending press freedom and supporting independent journalism in Sudan.
SHRI Launches First Press Freedom Award
#PressFreedom#Sudan#HumanRights
Art and Peace Building
SHRI uses art to promote human rights through cultural events films and art exhibitions.
Art and Peace Building
Art and human rights
Awareness-Raising & Training
The Sudanese Human Rights Initiative (SHRI) works to strengthen human rights awareness across Sudanese society by engaging both the general public and targeted groups through inclusive and accessible initiatives.
SHRI designs and delivers awareness-raising activities that promote understanding of fundamental rights and encourage active civic engagement. These efforts combine public outreach with targeted engagement of key stakeholders, including civil society actors, legal professionals, and community leaders.
Key Activities
- Public Awareness & Outreach
SHRI produces human rights publications, press releases, and digital content to inform and engage the public on key human rights issues. - Stakeholder Engagement
The organization convenes meetings and dialogues with specific groups to discuss relevant human rights concerns and foster collaborative solutions. - Digital Advocacy & Communication
SHRI actively uses social media platforms and WhatsApp groups to facilitate discussions, share information, and connect stakeholders both inside and outside Sudan. - Capacity Building & Training
SHRI conducts trainings on strategic advocacy, campaigning, and human rights, equipping participants with practical skills to promote and defend human rights effectively
Awareness-Raising & Training
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