Detailed information on military service, including conditions, duration and exemption from service, is contained in the attached document entitled "Military Service in Sudan" (1990). According to a New African article on Sudan, the government of Dr. Hassan Al Turabi has recruited many young educated Sudanese into the People's Defence Force (PDF) fight a "holy war" in the south against the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA), and many of them have reportedly paid with their lives. They are honored as "martyrs" and their families cared for by the government (June 1994, 29). The article does not specify the methods used in their recruitment, conditions of service and punishment for conscientious objection.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

New African [London]. June 1994. "Sudan: Martyrs to the Cause."

New African [London]. June 1994. "Sudan: Martyrs to the Cause."

"Military Service in Sudan." September 1990. Translated by the Department of the Secretary of State of Canada.