group claims to have freed over 80,000 people in this manner since that time. Several other charities eventually followed suit. In 1999, UNICEF called the practice of redeeming slaves 'intolerable', arguing that these charities are implicitly accepting that human beings can be bought and sold. UNICEF also said that buying slaves from slave-traders gives them cash to purchase arms and ammunition. But Christian Solidarity said they purchase slaves in Sudanese pounds, not US dollars that could be used to purchase arms. As of 2015, Christian Solidarity International stated that it continues redeeming slaves. On its website, the group stated that it employs safeguards against fraud, and that allegations of fraud "remain today unsubstantiated". See also Slavery in modern Africa Mende Nazer Francis Bok Human rights in Sudan History of Slavery in the Muslim World Christian Solidarity International Notes References Further reading External links Civil Rights Leaders Criticized for Silence on Sudan Slavery Sudan Society of Sudan History of Sudan Anti-black racism in Africa Human rights abuses in Sudan