e-4552 (Foreign affairs)

The peace and security of the Sudanese people is under threat. Canada remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the impacts on civilians, including the alarming scale of violence observed in Darfur since the outbreak of the conflict. Canada continues to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the sexual and gender-based violence against marginalized groups, ethnic minorities, and women human rights defenders.

We urge all parties to end the violence and engage in mediation efforts supported by regional partners that promote dialogue and peace. To address the deteriorating situation, the Government of Canada, along with Canada’s regional and international partners have repeatedly and publicly urged both parties to end hostilities, to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, and to engage in mediation efforts.  Canada firmly believes that the inclusion of civilian and civil society voices in any mediation efforts is the only way to ensure a durable peace. This includes the meaningful participation of women human rights defenders, activists, and peacebuilders. The Minister of Foreign Affairs regularly raises the importance of civil society and civilian participation, in particular, when in discussions with her counterparts in the region and with Canada’s other international partners.

Canada is also providing support to civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and peacebuilders in Sudan to increase their capacity to engage in mediation efforts and to help mitigate the impacts of the conflict at a local level.

Standing up for human rights around the world is a core part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada’s robust sanctions regime serves as a key tool to respond to violations of internationally recognized human rights. Canada has imposed sanctions related to Sudan under the United Nations Act to give effect to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Canada has established a rigorous process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption, or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions, while also considering the broader political and international contexts when determining whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox constitute the most effective and appropriate response. Canada works closely with a number of international partners, such as the European Union, United Kingdom, and United States, and in forums such as the United Nations and G7, to coordinate efforts for maximum effectiveness.

Canada is committed to pursuing accountability and fighting impunity as part of its response to the crisis in Sudan. At the 54^th session of the UN Human Rights Council in October 2023, Canada co-sponsored a resolution that established a Fact-Finding Mission to investigate and establish the facts, circumstances, and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan.

Canada also strongly supports the International Criminal Court’s role in pursuing accountability and bringing justice to victims. The Court’s Office of the Prosecutor opened an investigation into the situation in Sudan in June 2005, which was referred to the Court by the UN Security Council. The Prosecutor confirmed that its investigation encompasses allegations of Rome Statute crimes emanating from the current conflict. Canada respects the Court and the Prosecutor’s independence. Canada will continue to support international efforts to ensure perpetrators are held to account.

Canada recognizes the significant humanitarian impacts of the conflict on the people of Sudan and those in neighbouring countries already facing poverty, violence, food insecurity, and the impacts of climate change. Canada will continue to provide international assistance to Sudan, including humanitarian assistance to meet the life saving needs of crisis-affected populations.

In 2023, Canada allocated over $170 million in humanitarian assistance funding to United Nations, Red Cross, and non-governmental organizations partners in Sudan and in neighbouring countries impacted by the crisis, including the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Of this amount, more than $41 million is has gone to providing humanitarian assistance inside Sudan.

In addition to supporting pre-existing humanitarian efforts, this largely flexible funding has allowed our partners to address new needs arising from the conflict, such as emergency food, health and medical services, protection (including prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence), shelter and water, sanitation and hygiene. This funding is in line with the needs identified in the Humanitarian Response Plans of these countries, and other emergency humanitarian appeals that have been issued in the wake of the current crisis in Sudan. All of Canada’s humanitarian assistance funding is reported to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and is publicly available via OCHA’s Financial Tracking Service.

Together with these partners, Canada continues to advocate for a rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, in accordance with international humanitarian law. To this end, Canada has coordinated with likeminded donors on an advocacy letter urging Sudanese authorities to lift bureaucratic and administrative impediments that hamper full access to humanitarian aid in November 2023.

Canada also continues to provide development assistance with a focus on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence, improving access to education, and strengthening the resilience of the poorest and most marginalized, particularly women. In June 2023, Canada announced an additional $6 million in development assistance funding to support critical, complementary programming in areas such as education in emergencies and sexual and gender-based violence prevention and response.

The Government of Canada remains actively engaged on the crisis in Sudan. Canada will continue to stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Sudan and is committed to supporting a return to a peaceful and civilian-led transition to democracy.

Protecting and advancing human rights and democracy remain at the core of Canada’s foreign policy.