|
|
News
Backgrounder - Canada's contributions toward peace, stability and poverty reduction in Sudan
Canada is putting action to words
The persistent marginalization of remote areas has embroiled Sudan in civil conflicts almost since its independence from Britain in 1956. To help restore peace, the Government of Canada has been helping to address the root causes of Sudan's conflicts for over 20 years.
Canada believes that solving the country's north-south conflict is key to resolving the humanitarian and human rights crises in other areas of the country, such as in the western region of Darfur.
Canada's approach to the Sudan crises is carried out:
- through Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC), which actively supports the African-Union led Darfur peace talks. FAC is also providing funding through the Human Security Program for a variety of peacebuilding initiatives that address sexual and gender-based violence, promote security sector and justice reform, provide training on human rights and international humanitarian law, strengthen governance institutions and community organizations and assist small arms reduction initiatives.
- through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), which provides funding for urgently needed humanitarian assistance, support for peacebuilding efforts and protection for those affected by the conflict. Since October 2003, Canada has provided over $40 million in humanitarian aid to the United Nations and non governmental organizations (NGOs) working in Darfur and other areas in Sudan; and
- through the Department of National Defence (DND / CF), which uses Canadian Forces personnel to provide expertise in the military planning process for an African Union led military operation in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Canada demonstrated its commitment to resolve the Sudan conflicts by appointing the first Special Envoy for Peace in Sudan in 1999. Senator Mobina Jaffer is Canada's current envoy.
On May 12, 2005, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced the creation of a special advisory team to coordinate and promote Canada's efforts to help resolve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The Prime Minister's Personal Representative for Africa, Ambassador Robert Fowler; Canada's Special Envoy for Peace in Sudan, Senator Mobina Jaffer; and Senator Roméo Dallaire will focus Canada's efforts and resources.
Canada actively encourages Sudan's road to peace by supporting African efforts that find a solution to this African crisis. Canada continues to urge all parties to resolve their conflicts peacefully, and ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. That includes bringing to justice perpetrators of serious violations, including rape and violence against women.
|
