If convicted, they could face the death penalty. Africa's largest country, the Sudan has enjoyed only brief intervals without armed conflict since its independence in 1956. Yet its persistent human rights abuses do not demand the attention of the international community, distracted by conflicts in which they have more at stake, according to those who have studied the situation. The government even buys children for use as soldiers in the future, often returning them to fight against their own people. The government is on an Islamic crusade.
Moderates are either in exile or attempting to shape political opposition.
Unless the people are convinced that diversity has a place in their society, the future does not hold much hope, he admitted. In a free society diversity is perceived as positive. Solheim is director of the Episcopal Church's Office of News and Information.