Based on the evidence heard by the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development during the course of its February to April 2017 study on the human rights situation in South Sudan, the Subcommittee recommends:

RECOMMENDATION 1

That the Government of Canada condemn human rights violations committed by all parties to the conflict in South Sudan, and particularly the Government of South Sudan, including ethnic cleansing, the starvation of civilians, and the use of child soldiers. The Government of Canada must also condemn the use of widespread sexual violence as a weapon of war.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the Government of Canada support the investigation of possible war crimes in South Sudan, and closely monitor the violence being perpetrated for signs of potential escalation to genocide.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That the Government of Canada, in consultation and coordination with its international partners, develop and implement a strategy to secure uninterrupted access for aid and development workers, so that they can tend to the most vulnerable people in South Sudan. This strategy should aim to enhance security and to build resilience against obstacles or logistical challenges, including conflict, weak chains of command among combatants, and corruption.

RECOMMENDATION 4

That the Government of Canada support the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan to deliver humanitarian assistance, operate Protection of Civilians sites, and publish the findings of human rights monitors. The Government of Canada should also call upon the Government of South Sudan to cease its interference in this operation.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That the Government of Canada promote the expeditious and effective deployment of the Regional Protection Force to join the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan.

RECOMMENDATION 6

That the Government of Canada continue to work with its international partners and the mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in South Sudan to ensure that successful programs continue to receive the necessary funding and that Canada fulfils its commitments. Additionally, the Government of Canada should call upon United Nations member states to make and fulfill commitments to increased and longer-term funding to sustain and replicate best practices in refugee protection across the region, taking inspiration from the current Ugandan model.

RECOMMENDATION 7

That the Government of Canada, in its role as a member of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, prioritize accountability, particularly through the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, to address violations of human rights and humanitarian law. In the interim, the Government of Canada should support evidence collection initiatives and encourage other members of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission to do the same.

RECOMMENDATION 8

That the Government of Canada engage with the Government of South Sudan to ensure that its National Dialogue does not supplant the establishment of accountability measures envisioned by the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

RECOMMENDATION 9

That the Government of Canada update and expand its targeted sanctions applied to senior leaders in the South Sudanese conflict and apply an embargo on the sale of arms to South Sudan as soon as possible, while calling upon like-minded states to do the same.