Country: Sudan
Group: Copt
Date Finalized: 12/1/2021
Team: Jocelyn Chen (lead), Natasha Chandra, Ash Pessaran
The Copt minority group is made up of followers of the Egyptian Coptic Church. To avoid persecution in Egypt, many Copts migrated to Sudan and are now found in northern Sudanese towns (Minority Rights Group, 2015). Despite their move, they continued to face forced conversion and began to leave Sudan as well. At the start of Islamization and the introduction of Shari’a law in 1983, the Copts faced increase oppression and discrimination. Churches dedicated to serving displaced Copts were shut down as the state imposed new strict regulations and deported their staff (Africa Watch, 1993). In 1991, pilot Giorgis Yustus, the son of a Copt priest was executed after a ruling based on religious prejudice (Africa Watch, 1993). In fear of more murders, Yustus’ death prompted many Copts to flee from Sudan (Africa Watch, 1993). Today, those that remain continue to face systematic violations of their rights. The Sudanese government continues to forcefully demolish Copt churches and threaten them to abandon their faith (Africa Watch, 1993). While data quality is rated 1/3 due to limited sources, the Copt Minority group is an example of a group forced away from their country.
Sources
- Africa Watch. (1993, Feb. 10). Sudan – The Copts: Passive Survivors Under Threat. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/reports/SUDAN932.PDF
- Minority Rights Group. (2015, June 19). Copts.Minority Rights Group. https://minorityrights.org/minorities/copts-2/