Sudan in Crisis: The Urgent Call to End a Devastating War

Hoyam Hashim Abbas - July 2024

Photo credit: Abdulaziz Mohammed

On April 15, a devastating war broke out in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces militias, resulting in the death of tens of thousands and the displacement of millions of civilians.

The war has destroyed the country’s infrastructure and led to a near-total economic collapse, putting about 25 million Sudanese at risk of famine.

This is a war driven by human greed and the lust for power from countries seeking to control resources and ports, with no regard for humanity. These countries have fueled the flames of conflict, turning Sudan into a relentless battlefield, resulting in the deaths and displacement of millions.

Among all of the atrocities, women and children are the most vulnerable, faced with threats of sexual and gender-based violence. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative in Sudan, Mohamed El Amin, seven million women and girls in Sudan are at risk of sexual and gender-based violence. To put the numbers into perspective, that’s more than the entire population of the Greater Toronto Area, including Durham, Peel, Halton, York and extending to Hamilton and Niagara region.

As a Sudanese woman in Canada, it breaks my heart that the basic human rights of my people are taken away while people around the world live comfortably, oblivious to their pain and suffering.

I urge every individual to stand in solidarity with Sudan by participating in protests to draw the world’s attention to what is happening and to appeal for an end to the war.

I ask that we intensify media campaigns and publicize all illegal violations and abuses faced by Sudanese citizens. As individuals, we can provide financial support through monetary and in-kind donations to shelters and refugee camps inside and outside Sudan, who are in urgent need of medicine and food due to the presence of severe medical cases among individuals with chronic diseases.

The Sudanese community in Canada calls on the international community, civil society organizations as well as human rights organizations to fulfill their humanitarian responsibilities towards the Sudanese people facing a genocide that threatens to wipe all its people, culture and history.

We appeal to anyone with compassion and belief in human rights to support the cessation of war in Sudan through social media to amplify the voice of humanity worldwide.

Photo credit: Nina R

To the United Nations, we say: it is shameful that you cannot protect unarmed civilians; this is a right, not a privilege. We demand that peacekeeping forces enforce a ceasefire and ensure the rapid delivery of food and medicine. Safe corridors must be opened to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid. The world’s greed and thirst for power has caused this and it is the world leader’s responsibility to step up and accept accountability and support the United Nations in recognizing the horrific occurrences and put an end to non-stop killings.

The Security Council should impose sanctions on any country that supports this war with weapons. We urge the UNHCR to aid refugees who have fled the horrors of war by providing safe camps in neighboring countries with basic necessities such as shelter, food, and medicine, and to ensure protection, care, and education within the host countries.

Let us not turn a blind eye to the suffering of millions. Stand with us, amplify our voices, and demand immediate action to end this senseless war. Together, we can restore hope and humanity in Sudan.

Bio

Hoyam Hashim Abbas is a dedicated professional specializing in child mental health and behavioral therapy. As a political activist and advocate for women's and children's rights, she actively contributes to various organizations. She serves as a board member of Kandaka International for Women's Rights Organization in Canada, is a member of The United Sudanese Revolution Forces Abroad, and a member of the Coordinating Committee for Political and Civil Women’s Work. Her extensive involvement reflects her commitment to social justice and her efforts to effect positive change in her community.