Silenced in Conflict: Why Internet Access is a Lifeline in Sudan

The recent internet blackout in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the critical role telecommunication services play in the lives of citizens, especially during times of conflict. While often seen as a luxury, internet access is a fundamental right increasingly recognized as essential for survival, safety, and securing peaceful solutions. Examining the situation in Sudan through a data-driven lens underscores why restoring internet access is not just a matter of convenience but a matter of basic human rights and security.

The Stark Reality of Disconnection:

• Humanitarian Crisis Amplified: The UN OCHA reports that over 13 million people in Sudan rely on humanitarian aid, often coordinated through online platforms. Blackouts hinder access to crucial information on healthcare, food security, and emergency services, exposing vulnerable populations further.
• Silencing Dissent and Accountability: Freedom House ranks Sudan as "not free" due to restrictions on civil liberties and freedom of expression. Internet shutdowns further stifle dissent, hindering peaceful protest and preventing citizens from holding authorities accountable, potentially fueling tensions.
• Economic Downturn: According to the World Bank, internet shutdowns cost the global economy an estimated $2.4 billion annually. In Sudan, businesses heavily reliant on online communications experience devastating losses, jeopardizing livelihoods and exacerbating economic hardship.
• Escalating Violence: Research by the UN Development Programme highlights a correlation between internet shutdowns and increased violence. Communication blackouts hinder peacebuilding efforts, impede early warning systems, and can worsen information gaps, potentially contributing to escalation.
• Human Rights Abuses Unchecked: Without online accountability, the risk of human rights violations increases. Abuses may go unreported, and perpetrators escape justice, hindering progress towards human rights protection.

Data-Driven Urgency:

• A Global Issue: According to Access Now, internet shutdowns have occurred in 56 countries since 2016, impacting millions worldwide. Sudan is just one example of a worrying trend.
• Impact on Women and Children: UN Women reports that women disproportionately bear the brunt of internet shutdowns, affecting access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Children also suffer from disruptions to online learning and communication with loved ones.
• Economic Cost in Sudan: The 2019 internet blackout in Sudan reportedly cost the economy $186 million, highlighting the significant economic implications.

The Right to Connect:

• International Recognition: UN resolutions and declarations affirm access to the internet as a human right essential for exercising other rights, including freedom of expression and privacy.
• Moral Imperative: In conflict zones, where information and communication are vital for survival and peacebuilding, ensuring internet access becomes a moral imperative.

Call to Action:

• Urge Sudanese authorities to restore full # internet access immediately.
• Support organizations working to document human rights abuses and advocate for internet freedom globally.
• Raise awareness and speak out against internet shutdowns wherever they occur.
• Hold governments accountable for upholding the right to access information and communication.

By recognizing the crucial role of internet access in conflict zones and demanding its restoration, we can ensure that even amidst the turmoil, the voices of #Sudanese citizens are heard, information flows freely, and the path towards peace remains open. Remember, in the digital age, silence can have deadly consequences. Let us stand together and ensure that the right to connect is protected, especially for those who need it most.

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