Three years of war in Sudan: Canada is falling short

Today marks three years of war in Sudan.

For three blood-soaked years, hunger, violence and fear have shaped everyday life. Families have been torn apart. Communities destroyed.

We’ve also heard stories of solidarity, courage and strength from Sudanese people supporting one another against impossible odds. But these stories should not distract us from the hard truth: this war remains a cruel reality for millions.

This reality must move us to act.

The war in Sudan and its impact

As the war between Sudan's military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues, civilians suffer most. 

The human toll is staggering. Access to clean water and food has collapsed in many areas. Health care, education, transportation, communications and banking systems have all been severely damaged or destroyed. The results are genocide, sexual and gender-based violence, famine and mass displacement.

Canada must do more

Canada can and must do more. Sudan now faces the worst humanitarian disaster on the planet. Canada’s foreign policy response falls far short of what this moment demands. This gap is shameful.

We call on the Canadian government to take urgent action:

1) Pressure those fuelling the war

Canada must apply diplomatic pressure on countries that are helping sustain the war, especially the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). This is particularly urgent as the Canadian government moves toward a potential free trade agreement with the U.A.E. 

2) Appoint a special envoy for Sudan

Canada should appoint a special envoy for Sudan to strengthen and coordinate Canada’s response. This person would advise the government on foreign policy, humanitarian aid, development cooperation, diplomacy and immigration—so that Canada’s actions reflect the urgency and scale of the crisis.

Additional steps Canada can take to support the people of Sudan

Beyond these two priorities, Canada has many options to scale up its response. Canada should:

• Increase the number of refugees accepted from Sudan.
• Simplify Canada’s family reunification process.
• Provide more humanitarian funding to displaced people in Sudan and the region.
• Support documentation of human rights violations to avoid impunity.
• Exert diplomatic pressure on states to encourage an end to the conflict.
• Close loopholes that enable weapons manufactured by Canadian-owned or Canada-based companies to end up in Sudan. 

Inter Pares: In partnership to support Sudan

Inter Pares works alongside Sudanese gender justice activists. Despite extraordinary risks, they are providing essential support and care to people living through the war and its unrelenting horrors.

We support the Sudanese Organization for Research and Development, which works inside Sudan and with refugees in Uganda. They provide basic needs to displaced people, support small-scale farmers and provide mental health care to women and girls who have experienced brutal violence.

We also support the Sudanese Association for Gender Inclusion and Advocacy. They provide emergency assistance to LGBTQI+ community members and document human rights violations. 

And we partner with SWRC, a young women‑led organization. They offer livelihood training, produce podcasts that respond to young women’s concerns, and run a safe space for young women refugees.

The courage and determination of these organizations are powerful.

How you can support Sudan

You can take action by sending a letter to the Canadian government calling for the steps outlined above.

Take action here.

Together, let’s make clear that three years of war in Sudan is already far too long.

While much of the world turns away, you can ensure Sudan is not forgotten. Donate today.

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