Canadian Parliament Hears Crucial Testimonies on Violations in Sudan

On 21 March 2022, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights in the Canadian Parliament held a highly significant session, during which detailed human rights testimonies regarding crimes and violations in Sudan were presented. Participants included Sudanese legal researcher and constitutional expert Moatasem Ali, and Yonah Diamond, attorney and researcher at the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights.
Moatasem Ali delivered a powerful testimony, describing the situation in Sudan as systematic violence targeting civilians, particularly in Darfur. He highlighted that the pattern of genocide was evident from the outset and criticized the international community for repeatedly ignoring warnings. He also noted that the crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia included the killing of civilians, mass rapes, attacks on children, and sieges that turned cities into catastrophic zones.
Yonah Diamond presented a comprehensive legal report demonstrating that the violations constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law. He emphasized that current efforts are no longer sufficient and announced that his organization, along with international partners, is “building a broad international coalition” aimed at supporting accountability, monitoring violations, and pressuring governments to impose sanctions on perpetrators and their backers.
Diamond called on the Canadian government to play a more active role in supporting the Sudanese people, stressing that the proposed coalition represents a crucial step toward ending impunity in Sudan.
At the conclusion of the session, members of the parliamentary committee emphasized the importance of keeping the Sudanese issue among their top priorities and enhancing coordination with international organizations to protect civilians and ensure justice for victims.