SUDAN: Durable solutions elusive as southern IDPs return and ...

esidence, whether in the north or abroad” (Sudan Tribune, 30 December 2009). In other words,
only those who were born before Sudan’s independence, came to North and are now in their midfifties
have to vote in the South (note that in Sudan life expectancy for m/f is 59/61, see WFP
Sudan country page, the figures are for 2006). Some of the displaced Southerners that have lived
in the North for almost three decades (since the beginning of the north-south civil war in 1983)
would thus have to go back to the South to cast their vote while younger generations (i.e. children
of the displaced Southerners) that have possibly never lived in the South and whose ties with the
South are potentially weaker would be eligible to vote in the North.
Citizenship rights
If not earlier, the issue of citizenship rights will have to be negotiated in the referendum aftermath.
This question is pertinent to at least half a million displaced Southerners in North Sudan (the
census figure of 520,000 Southern Sudanese in northern Sudan was contested and several
authors suggested that the real number may be between one million and 1.5 million, see for
instance: Sudan Tribune, 24 May 2009; Chatham House, 2010, p.19). In the absence of any
constructive debate on the matter there are only a number of speculations about what might
happen. It has been suggested, for instance, that the Southerners in North Sudan could be
stripped of their citizenship if the South decides for independence; they may be also expelled
from the North; one author suggested a common citizenship of north and south (Chatham House,
2010, p.26; Alex de Waal, 14 December 2009). It would be in the best interest of ordinary citizens
of Sudan that the terms of citizenship for Southerners in the North are decided before the
referendum and possible partition of Southern Sudan to avoid uncertainties, manipulations and
potential violations of citizenship rights.
Access to justice
For more information on access to justice and the right to a fair trial, see the section on Physical
Security and Integrity in Khartoum and other Northern States.
Protection of Special Categories of IDPs (Age, Gender, Diversity)
Protection of special categories of IDPs
IDPs in Khartoum face many of the same protection problems as other economic migrants living
in Khartoum, and indeed the larger population of urban poor. However, certain categories of IDPs
in Khartoum face specific protection problems, including IDP children, IDP women and IDPs from
Darfur.
Children
Many IDP children have to work in order to contribute to the family income and ensure the family
survival; they are therefore not able to attend school (Watchlist, April 2007, p.16). As a result, the
enrolment rate among IDPs children, especially girls, is very low (2009 Work Plan for Sudan,
November 2008, p.203).
According to the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict:
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