08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Disabilities: An Overview ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46041],  [ID 13074]

"While the law does not specifically prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities, it does stipulate that "the state shall guarantee to persons with special needs the enjoyment of all the rights and freedoms set out in the constitution, access to suitable education, employment and full participation in society."The government did not discriminate against persons with disabilities but has not enacted any special legislation for persons with disabilities, such as mandating accessibility to public buildings and transportation. Credible sources noted that prisoners with mental disabilities were chained 24 hours per day. The law requires equal educational opportunities for persons with disabilities."

Document(s): Open document

19.11.2002 - Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Mentally ill and the physical disabled at particular risk ("OCHA: Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal 2003") [#13809],  [ID 13065]

"Conflicts result in widespread violence against people with vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women
children, mentally ill and the physical disabled at particular risk. Violence increases immediately the risk of
psychological trauma within the entire communities and nations. The cognitive, emotional and socioeconomic
burden imposed on individuals, the family and the community are enormous. It is established
that an average of more than 50 per cent of refugees present mental health problems ranging from
chronic mental disorders to trauma, distress and a great deal of suffering. Providing the necessary
resources, restoring their dignity, giving them hope and confidence in themselves and in the international
community to work towards a better future are the unavoidable preconditions for their well-being as well
as for reconciliation, development and peace.
In Sudan the figures for the number of people suffering from mental disorders due to the crisis is not
known but as in other conflicts up to 30% of the population can be affected. The most frequent diagnosis
made is post-traumatic syndrome along with depression and anxiety. The mental health services and
facilities are very limited and cover very small areas mainly in the north of the country. Small community
programmes have been initiated by national NGOs in specific communities. It will be necessary for a
more sustainable and equitable system to be developed so that as earliest as possible, people with
mental disorders should be detected and treated."

Document(s): Open document