QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Conflict in Sudan
December 7, 2023
Senator Gold, as a result of the recent months of conflict in Sudan, the situation is beyond dire. Thousands of people have been killed, 5.1 million people internally displaced, 1.4 million living in neighbouring countries, widespread hunger, 19 million children out of school, accusations of ethnic cleansing, widespread sexual violence and other serious human rights violations.
Senator Gold, with the world’s focus on the Israeli-Hamas war and the war in Ukraine, Canada and other Western nations are being accused of ignoring the situation in Sudan, or at least not doing enough to help resolve the crisis.
Senator Gold, could you tell us what Canada is doing to both respond to the humanitarian crisis and also help resolve the conflict in Sudan?
Thank you for your question and for underlining, as we need to be reminded, that it is not only the conflicts that have attracted the top-fold headlines — for those of us who still read newspapers — there are humanitarian crises and vicious conflicts going on throughout the world. Sudan is clearly one of them, and is somewhat long-standing.
Canada and its allies are seized with providing and are continuing to provide humanitarian assistance in Sudan and funding for emergency food, nutrition assistance, clean water, hygiene, sanitation, health and protection services. The resolution of this conflict is beyond the ability of Canada or any one country to resolve. Canada will work with its allies in the hope that the conflict will come to an end and the citizens of Sudan can be spared any further hardship.
Senator Gold, at a recent Foreign Affairs Committee meeting, we heard from University of Ottawa Professor Awad Ibrahim, who said Canada could and should be playing an important role in Sudan. He said that Canada should be at the peace negotiation table in Jeddah.
Senator Gold, what efforts have Canada made to be a part of those peace negotiations? How are we working with like-minded countries to resolve this conflict?
My understanding is that Canada is, in fact, working with like-minded members of the international community and regional partners to support a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
Canada has called for and will continue to call for the resumption of dialogue toward the formation of a civilian-led transitional government, and will continue to urge all parties to respect relevant ceasefires and engage in mediation efforts toward resolving the dispute.
