QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Conflict in Sudan
May 29, 2024
Senator Gold, the conflict in Sudan has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 15,000 people have been killed and more than 8.8 million people are displaced, with millions facing imminent famine. A recent report from the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights said that it’s “. . . nearly impossible to overstate the global indifference and inaction in the face of ongoing devastating mass atrocities in Sudan.” At our May 23 Foreign Affairs Committee meeting, former Canadian ambassador to South Sudan Nicholas Coghlan said, “. . . we need eyes on the ground if we’re to make a difference. We have quit the field in Sudan. . . .”
Senator Gold, former ambassador Coghlan said that our allies have kept staff in the region or have given them roving commissions. Is this something Canada is planning to do? Indifference is really not the Canadian approach.
Thank you, senator.
Indifference is not the Canadian approach. The scale of violence and human suffering is devastating. The government condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the violence that is happening in Sudan, which includes, as we all know — and tragically so — sexual and gender-based violence. It must end.
I understand that due to the ongoing security situation, the Canadian embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, has temporarily suspended operations. Having said that, Canada continues to provide humanitarian aid, and we will continue to work with international and regional partners to support African-led solutions.
Thank you.
Mr. Coghlan also mentioned the importance of the Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, which handles complaints about possible human rights abuses by Canadian companies. Former ambassador Coghlan said, “. . . It has no teeth . . . . It must be given at least the power to compel testimony from defendants . . . .”
Others have called for greater investigatory powers and independence.
Senator Gold, does the government plan to give the ombudsperson sufficient authority and independence to hold Canadian companies operating overseas to account and prevent human rights abuses?
Thank you for underlining the work of that office. It is an important institution. Canada has taken and supported many new measures related to RBC, or responsible business conduct abroad, since the creation of CORE, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise.
With regard to your specific question, I’ve been informed, as the fifth anniversary of the creation of CORE approaches, that the government recognizes the value of it and will undertake a review of that office later this year.
