The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:
"Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and is gravely concerned by its widespread impact on civilians. There is an alarming escalation of violence in regions such as Darfur and Gezira, including horrific conflict-related sexual violence. We are appalled by reports of shelling near the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur.
"We continue to call on all parties to end hostilities and to engage in mediation efforts to address the conflict, which is having an unimaginable impact on the people of Sudan and causing a humanitarian crisis.
"The scale of human suffering and gross human rights violations and abuses are unacceptable. Women and children have been particularly affected and are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Canada continues to be actively engaged in addressing the humanitarian needs on the ground. We will continue our work with neighbouring countries, as well as with relevant governments and the international community, to coordinate the response to this crisis and actively support the foundation of any future peace process, centred on the well-being of the Sudanese people.
"We will continue to promote the inclusion of Sudanese civilians and civil society organizations in political dialogue efforts. We take particular note of the leadership role Sudanese women have played in the political discourse of the country, and call for the protection of civilians, human rights defenders and women peacebuilders.
"We remain very concerned by the significant impacts on those in neighbouring countries who are already facing poverty, violence and food insecurity, and by the potential for broader destabilization in the region.
"Together with regional and international partners, Canada continues to urge all warring parties to ensure rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. This includes the protection of humanitarian workers as they risk their lives to deliver life-saving aid.
"We note with appreciation all efforts to allow humanitarian agencies to reach people in need with essential, life-saving support.
"The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Sudan, and consular services in Sudan are limited. The Embassy of Canada to Sudan, in Khartoum, has temporarily suspended in-person operations due to the ongoing security situation, with consular functions temporarily moved to the Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa.
"Canada has moved political and programming functions to the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa. In addition to Canada's ambassador-designate to Sudan, Joshua Tabah, Canada has deployed two full-time resources to the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa dedicated to Sudan."
"Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
- by calling +1 613-996-8885
- by text message at +1 613-686-3658
- via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881
- by Signal at +1 613-909-8087
