[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 20 (Wednesday, March 4, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES CONTINUE IN SUDAN

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the massive human 
rights abuses occurring in Sudan. The Khartoum Government, the National 
Islamic Front, is waging a war on the Christian and Animist South. The 
Northern army has committed horrifying atrocities against individuals 
and communities, including moderate Muslims who do not adhere to the 
Khartoum agenda. Women and children are sold into slavery. Young boys 
are conscripted to combat their own villages. Pastors often are thrown 
into wells, doused with oil, and lit on fire to burn to their death.
  Much of the humanitarian aid in Sudan is distributed through Khartoum 
Government forces, who force conversion to extremist Islam in exchange 
for food.
  On May 23, 1997, Northern authorities detained and imprisoned Mr. 
Faisal Abadallh, a Sudanese Christian accused of evangelism. In January 
of 1998, authorities charged Mr. Abadallh with 12 offenses, three of 
which could lead to the death penalty.
  Mr. Speaker, the President acted wisely in imposing sanctions on 
Sudan in 1997. However, we must not leave the issue at that point. It 
is outrageous that this terrible suffering continues. Our Nation should 
continue to speak out.

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