ACJPS runs three mutually reinforcing programmes of work to achieve an improvement in the human rights situation in Sudan. ACJPS' human rights monitoring programme documents human rights violations and identifies individuals at risk or situations of concern, operating as an early warning mechanism. ACJPS' Legal programme conducts legal research and undertakes legal aid for individuals at risk. The programme also conducts strategic litigation in pursuit of effective remedies for victims of human rights violations and legal reform. ACJPS' Advocacy Programme works to publish and disseminate evidence-based advocacy materials and influence domestic, regional and international policy - makers to improve the human rights situation in Sudan.

Human Rights Monitoring programme

The ACJPS Human Rights Monitoring Programme is dedicated to documenting urgent cases of individuals at risk and emerging situations of concern throughout Sudan.

Since its inception in 2009 ACJPS has performed vital human rights monitoring and protection functions and has built a solid reputation for the credibility, impartiality and professionalism of its work inside and outside Sudan.

A key achievement of the programme has been to develop an effective methodology for the safe documentation and dissemination of accurate and timely information about the human rights situation throughout Sudan despite the hostile environment. This has filled an information gap concerning individuals at risk and situations of concern in the country. It has also enabled the organisation to effectively and authoritatively advocate on behalf of individuals at risk, including before legal tribunals.

Evidence documented by the programme is submitted to relevant decision makers at the domestic, regional and international level and used to publish urgent alerts on individuals at risk or to support legal proceedings.

Using its extensive networks and contacts and strict security protocols, the organisation has documented and responded to cases of concern that would otherwise go unreported. This has included information on difficult to access conflict zones, and on highly sensitive issues such as torture.

Key priorities of the ACJPS Human Rights Monitoring Programme include:

• To document cases of individuals at risk of serious human rights violations throughout Sudan, and act as an early warning and support mechanism for the most at-risk populations.
• Monitoring and documenting restrictions on the freedoms of expression, association and assembly.
• Monitoring and documenting trends related to arbitrary detention, torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
• Monitoring and documenting restrictions on freedom of religion.
• Monitoring and documenting conflict-related human rights violations including attacks on civilians and aerial bombardment of civilian areas.
• Analysing patterns of human rights violations, and discriminatory law enforcement or other official practices affecting ethnic and religious minorities, women and other at-risk groups.
• Supporting and building the capacity of Sudanese civil society members to safely monitor and report on human rights violations and monitor human rights trends in the country.

ACJPS works with dedicated networks of human rights defenders to safely monitor and report on human rights cases of concern throughout the country.