Last Monday, a decision by the National Asylum Court opened the way to obtaining the right of asylum for nationals of South Darfur, a region heavily affected by the war. This announcement marks an important turning point in the protection of people coming from this conflict region.
The Court’s decision followed an asylum request from a Sudanese man from Khireyga, who claimed to fear his country’s authorities because of his ethnicity and alleged political views. Although the elements provided were considered insufficient to justify an asylum request, the Court granted subsidiary protection due to the violent situation prevailing in South Darfur.
The National Court of Asylum is a specialized administrative court in France which rules on appeals on asylum applications. Its decisions set precedent and apply to all similar cases. This decision therefore opens the way to obtaining the right of asylum for all South Darfur nationals who are in France.
The South Darfur region, located on the border between Sudan and South Sudan, has been experiencing a situation of intense violence since April. Clashes between military forces and paramilitary groups have led to numerous forced population displacements and massive human rights violations.
This decision by the National Asylum Court comes as Sudan and South Sudan have just reopened their border on October 1, 2021. This could have an impact on the situation of refugees and asylum seekers seeking to flee violence in the region.
By granting the right of asylum to nationals of South Darfur, the National Asylum Court recognizes the seriousness of the situation in this part of Sudan and affirms the need to protect people there who are exposed to serious risks for their safety and their lives.
This decision is a strong signal sent to other European and international countries, encouraging them to also grant protection and asylum to nationals of South Darfur. It is essential that the international community mobilizes to support the countries hosting these refugees and put an end to the violence plaguing this region of Sudan.
In conclusion, the decision of the National Asylum Court to grant the right of asylum to nationals of South Darfur marks a significant step forward in the protection of people affected by the war in this region. This decision sets a precedent and opens the way to better consideration of asylum requests from people from South Darfur. It is important that European and international countries follow this example and provide the necessary protection to these people fleeing violence and persecution.