Samier Makeen is a Sudanese human rights lawyer and activist. He has been a staunch defender of human rights and fundamental liberties across various tumultuous periods in Sudan’s history. Notably, Makeen has championed the rights of survivors of torture and arbitrary detention, and victims of arbitrary killings and mass executions. His advocacy extends to the protection of women’s and children’s rights, religious freedoms, and support for individuals impacted by various atrocities. He is a founder of the Sudanese Defenders Centre for Legal Aid where dedicates his efforts to providing critical legal assistance in challenging circumstances. Until September 2022, he held the position of vice-chair of the Sudanese National Human Rights Commission. Recognizing his unwavering dedication, Makeen was honoured with the prestigious Franco-German Prize for Human Rights in December 2022.
In this video Makeen provides invaluable insights into the pursuit of justice amidst challenging circumstances. He speaks about his work as a human rights lawyer, the challenges in the domestication and application of international crimes in Sudan’s domestic law, and the establishment of a committee by the SAF to investigate alleged RSF violations. He also discusses the potential avenues for accountability for international crimes committed in Sudan, emphasising the crucial need for accountability as the cornerstone for justice and reconciliation.
Time Stamps
00:02 Introduction
00:45The role of law in armed conflicts
03:39 Domestication of international crimes in Sudanese law
05:20 Role of human rights lawyers and defenders in conflict
07:10 Committee to investigate alleged RSF violations
12:35 Avenues for accountability for international crimes committed in Sudan
