Right now in southern Sudan, at least 200,000 evacuees from eastern Darfur face a desperate living situation, lacking such basic survival needs as clean water, nutritious food, and appropriate medical care.
Forced to flee a vicious campaign of mass killing, rape and looting, these internally displaced people face conditions which threaten not only their survival, but also the social fabric of their families and communities. Despite this reality, leading governments have failed to provide simple and effective relief to the innocent people whose lives were shattered by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Hopefully, this will soon change. Canada is in a position to positively impact the lives of thousands of displaced Darfurians, thanks to the tireless work and expertise of London MP Glen Pearson.
With Pearson’s involvement, a small, yet powerful, budget proposal is in development and will be presented to Parliament for approval in a few weeks. He describes the proposal as a “pittance of what will be spent on domestic programming over the next few months” with the ability to “literally save thousands of lives.”
Because Darfur is a non-election issue, it presents a unique opportunity for representatives from all parties to unite in the name of justice, compassion and human dignity. Working together, Canada can make an invaluable difference in the lives of thousands of Sudanese citizens. As a student, activist and concerned Canadian, I urge Parliament to approve Pearson’s proposal and to honour Canada’s commitment to universal human rights.
Nonpartisanship can be a double-edged sword. Since Darfur does not play significantly into any election platform — as opposed to the conflict in Gaza — political interest in the region is shelved. Political parties in the House of Commons and concerned members from each party resist working together on the issue while innocent lives hang in the balance. This is unacceptable and unnecessary. Pearson has identified Darfur as a region that could benefit immensely from a joint, non-partisan effort, precisely because it is a non-election issue.
With funds collected through his organization, Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan (CASS), Pearson has made numerous trips to Africa, implementing educational programs and providing basic needs for evacuees emerging out of eastern Darfur. He has experienced the consequences of violence, has responded to the call for compassionate intervention, and has helped increase the quality of life for thousands of displaced people. Using large teams of Canadian volunteers, CASS assists in building schools so communities can piece their lives back together and children can receive the opportunity to fight for their future. At home, Pearson advocates for a relief fund and an all-party committee to assess the region, receiving enthusiastic support from concerned representatives. The support is there. But we have yet to see action.
To members of STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur), Pearson’s budget proposal is a glimmer of hope. It signals an opportunity to make a concrete difference in a region ravaged by what many have called genocide. If approved, it will demonstrate that Canadians believe the value of human life is greater than party politics.
With a small amount of money, a large amount of will, and a united front, Canada has the ability to save thousands of lives and to set an example for the rest of the world. I implore Parliament to approve Pearson’s proposal and to work together to assist thousands of displaced families.
The writer is a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies