1.   The Government of Canada should take all possible steps to help the relevant authorities to hold the referendum on the future of South Sudan, scheduled for January 9, 2011, on time and in a manner that is free, fair and credible. This should include intensified diplomatic engagement with both the National Unity Government in Khartoum and the Government of Southern Sudan; and, continued support for the Carter Center and European Union monitoring mission so that those organizations can assist with voter education as well as monitor the referendum in Sudan.

2.   The Government of Canada should work with its international partners to encourage the Government of National Unity and the Government of Southern Sudan to respect the outcome of the January 9, 2011 referendum.

3.   Canada should send a high-level delegation that includes Ministers and parliamentarians to both North and South Sudan immediately following the referendum in order to communicate its continuing interest in a peaceful future for the Sudanese people, including in Darfur. The delegation should assess, with civil society, needs on the ground and establish with governments the most effective types of assistance Canada can contribute toward optimal outcomes.

4.   The Government of Canada should closely monitor and offer support to ensure a timely and fair conclusion to the negotiations between the parties to the CPA over the Abyei region.

5.   The Government of Canada should continue to closely monitor events around the referendum, with a particular concern placed on any acts of intimidation or violence committed in South Sudan.

6.   Following the visit of the high-level delegation proposed above, the Government of Canada should, in partnership with the international community, elaborate a long-term and whole-of-government strategy for Sudan, which includes support for both the North and South. The strategy should include the following elements:

• Continued engagement with both North and South Sudan;
• Continued assistance to address the massive humanitarian needs in all parts of the country;
• Explore support for capacity-building initiatives to strengthen governance in South Sudan, including in the justice and security sectors;
• Technical advice and support targeting agricultural productivity and the strengthening of land tenure laws;
• Mechanisms to enable direct access to financing for local civil society, including women’s organizations;
• Mediation support and technical advice to enable both parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to resolve outstanding issues such as border demarcation, citizenship rights, the sharing of debt, and oil revenue-sharing;
• Full implementation in Sudan of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan on United Nations Security Council resolution 1325, with a particular emphasis placed on facilitating women’s roles in decision-making and the democratic process;
• Maintain pressure on the Government of National Unity in Khartoum to reach a rapid, sustainable and inclusive political settlement to the conflict in Darfur;
• Maintain pressure on the Government of National Unity in Khartoum and the Government of Southern Sudan to ensure full access to humanitarian relief organizations operating in all regions of Sudan; and,
• Continue to address the practical needs of the massive population redistribution and displacement within Sudan, including through increased financial support for the appropriate multilateral organizations working on these issues in that country.