On the 31st day of August 2018, the world lost a true hero, Dr. Amin Mekki Madani. A human rights defender and the head of the Sudan Civil Society Initiative, he spent his time on earth advocating for the rights of the oppressed and vulnerable in all parts of the world. Despite the struggles, he remained faithful to the Sudanese people and continued to fight for the respect of their rights and liberties.
Dr. Amin Mekki played a pivotal role in the protection and promotion of human rights at the international, regional and national level. Due to his unwavering determination and his efforts, he encouraged Sudan’s accession to the most important human rights instruments of the United Nations, namely: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. With the December revolution creating a great political power shift and Sudan demonstrating a strong political will for change and the birth of a thriving culture of human rights and rule of law, we hope that Sudan will adhere to other vital human rights instruments swiftly.
The late Dr. Amin Mekki Madani was a prominent figure in the fight for human rights. In recognition of his vital role and outstanding achievements in this field, the Geneva Institute for Human Rights, illuminated his extensive efforts in “The Record of Eternity” (a GIHR publication), affirming the Institute’s call for promoting human rights values. Furthermore, the Geneva Institute for Human Rights mourned the dearly departed by issuing two books on his anniversary, namely : "Amin Makki Madani in the Record of Eternity" and "Writings by Amin Makki Madani”.
Moreover, GIHR organised the first regional training course in the name of Dr. Amin Mekki Madani between 7-10 September 2020, with 38 participants from 20 countries, in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sudan and the United Nations Centre for training and documentation in the field of human rights. The training course was born out of the necessity and will to eternalize the efforts of Dr. Amin in defending and promoting human rights & fundamental freedoms, justice and democratic values and principles.
Dr. Amin Mekki Madani, a pioneer of the Human Rights Movement in Sudan, is a symbol for positive change. His efforts that infused principles of human rights and justice will be remembered and continue to influence a new generation of activists.
Sudan has been alienated from the international community due to its long history of gross human rights violations. On the 2nd anniversary of the passing of Dr. Amin, the Geneva Institute for Human Rights looks forward to witnessing Sudan’s transition to democracy, a cause the late Dr. Amin vigorously fought for, certain that a democratic transformation would lead to a greater respect for human rights.
We look forward to the new era Sudan founded on the principles of human rights and democracy.