Ottawa urged to stop weapons flow to Sudan as Carney prepares UAE visit – Global News

Report on the Sudanese Conflict, Arms Trafficking, and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Crisis Undermining the 2030 Agenda

The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which commenced in April 2023 between the nation’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis, directly undermining progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Allegations of external arms proliferation, particularly from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the RSF, have prompted calls for international intervention. This report details the conflict’s impact on key SDGs, focusing on the role of international arms flows and the policy responses advocated by human rights organizations ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to the UAE.

Illicit Arms Flows and the Violation of SDG 16

The conflict is fueled by illicit arms trafficking, a direct contravention of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), particularly Target 16.4, which calls for a significant reduction in illicit financial and arms flows.

Allegations Against the United Arab Emirates

• Human rights groups and a UN Panel of Experts report “credible” evidence that the UAE is supplying weapons to the RSF militia under the guise of humanitarian aid.
• The RSF, a successor to the Janjaweed militia, is accused of committing ethnic violence and atrocities, including a new genocide in the Darfur region as recognized by the United States.
• This alleged support for a non-state militia actively engaged in violence fundamentally destabilizes the region, obstructing any progress towards peace and justice (SDG 16.1).

Concerns Regarding Canadian Arms Exports

The potential involvement of Canadian-made components in these arms transfers raises critical questions about Canada’s commitment to SDG 16 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Human rights advocates, including World Vision Canada, assert that Canadian-made weapons are fueling the conflict, challenging the effectiveness of Canada’s “world-class” arms-export regime.
2. In the previous year, Canadian firms exported $7 million in arms to the UAE. Organizations like Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East are calling for a complete halt to these exports to prevent their diversion to Sudan.
3. The situation demands a rigorous review of export permit processes to ensure compliance with international law and Canada’s commitment to reducing violence globally.

The Humanitarian Catastrophe: A Setback for Core SDGs

The war has created the world’s largest displacement crisis and left millions in desperate need, reversing development gains and severely impacting several SDGs.

Impact on Health, Hunger, and Poverty (SDGs 1, 2, 3)

• Over 30 million people, including 16 million children, require humanitarian assistance, exacerbating conditions of extreme poverty (SDG 1: No Poverty).
• Both warring parties have blocked humanitarian aid, leading to acute malnutrition in both infants and adults, as reported by Doctors Without Borders. This represents a critical failure to achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
• The RSF’s attack on a hospital in el-Fasher, resulting in patient deaths and the kidnapping of health workers, is a grave violation of international law and a direct assault on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Erosion of Equality and Human Dignity (SDGs 5, 10)

• The conflict is characterized by ethnic violence, deepening societal divisions and contravening SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• There are alarming reports of sexual violence, extortion, and looting along escape routes, representing a severe violation of human rights and a setback for SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Economic Drivers of Conflict and Illicit Financial Flows

The “Conflict Gold” Trade and SDG 8

Testimony before the House subcommittee on international human rights suggests a strong economic dimension to the conflict that undermines sustainable economic models.

• It is alleged that the UAE receives “conflict gold” from Darfur in exchange for arming the RSF.
• This trade in conflict minerals subverts SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 16 by creating an illicit economy that finances violence and instability.
• Experts recommend that Canada leverage its OECD membership to pressure the UAE to comply with international policies on minerals from conflict zones, thereby disrupting the RSF’s funding.

Recommendations and Official Responses

Calls for Canadian Action

In light of these challenges to the global SDG framework, human rights organizations and political figures have issued several recommendations for the Canadian government:

1. Pressure the UAE to cease its alleged support for the RSF.
2. Halt all Canadian arms exports to the UAE and launch an investigation into the possible diversion of past shipments.
3. Increase Canada’s humanitarian aid contribution, which currently stands at a pledged $103 million.
4. Impose further sanctions on responsible parties and consider listing the RSF as a terrorist organization.
5. Work with international partners to address the illicit trade in conflict minerals.

Canadian Government Position

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has stated that Canada’s arms export control legislation is “world-renowned” and that any violations are “closely monitored and enforced.” The minister’s office has confirmed that it is examining the claims regarding the diversion of Canadian arms to Sudan.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article’s central theme is the civil war in Sudan, characterized by “atrocious acts of ethnic violence,” “mass killings,” and attacks on civilians. This directly relates to the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. The discussion on the flow of weapons, including “Canadian-made arms,” to a militia, and the failure of arms-export regimes, highlights the challenges to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis. The article states that the war has put “more than 30 million people in desperate need of aid” and that both warring parties have “blocked the entry of humanitarian aid.” Furthermore, Doctors Without Borders reports seeing “both infants and adults with acute malnutrition,” which directly connects the conflict to the goal of ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The violence has had a devastating impact on the health and well-being of the Sudanese people. The article explicitly mentions the World Health Organization’s report that the RSF “attacked a hospital in the Sudanese city of el-Fasher on Oct. 28, killing hundreds of patients and kidnapping multiple health workers.” This attack on healthcare infrastructure and personnel is a direct violation of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article discusses the international dimension of the conflict, involving countries like Canada and the UAE, and international bodies like the UN and OECD. Human rights advocates are calling on the Canadian government to “work with allies to pressure both sides to allow aid in” and to use its influence to stop the flow of arms and “conflict gold.” This highlights the need for global partnerships and international cooperation to address the crisis, which is the core of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article is replete with examples of failure to meet this target, citing “civil war,” “ethnic violence,” “mass killings,” “murdered by militia members,” and “sexual violence.”
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime. The core issue discussed is the “flow of weapons from the UAE to a militia in Sudan,” including potentially “Canadian-made arms.” The mention of the UAE getting “‘conflict gold’ from Darfur in exchange for arming the RSF” directly points to illicit financial and arms flows.
   • Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, in particular in developing countries, to build capacity at all levels to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime. The call for Canada to “tighten its laws to make sure export permits don’t allow Canadian arms to be diverted to Sudan” relates to strengthening national institutions (arms export controls) to prevent violence.
2. Under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):
   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. The article states that warring parties have “blocked the entry of humanitarian aid,” directly preventing access to food for “more than 30 million people in desperate need.”
   • Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition. The testimony from Doctors Without Borders about seeing “both infants and adults with acute malnutrition” is a direct reference to this target not being met.
3. Under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks. The report of the RSF attacking a hospital, “killing hundreds of patients and kidnapping multiple health workers,” demonstrates a catastrophic breakdown and deliberate destruction of the country’s capacity to manage health risks.
4. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources. The article illustrates the complex interplay between governments (Canada, UAE), international bodies (UN, OECD), and civil society organizations (World Vision, Doctors Without Borders) in addressing the conflict, highlighting both the failures and the potential of such partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Indicator for Target 16.1: Number of conflict-related deaths. The article mentions the “reported mass killing of over 2,000 civilians” and “hundreds of patients” killed in a hospital attack. Tracking these numbers would measure the level of violence.
   • Indicator for Target 16.4: Value of illicit arms and financial flows. The article provides a specific figure for legal arms trade that is at risk of diversion: “Canadian firms exported $7 million in arms to the UAE last year.” It also refers to the UN Panel of Experts’ “credible” reports on arms shipments and the trade of “‘conflict gold’ from Darfur,” which are qualitative indicators of illicit flows.
2. For SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):
   • Indicator for Target 2.1: Number of people requiring humanitarian assistance. The article states this number is “more than 30 million people,” including “16 million children.”
   • Indicator for Target 2.2: Prevalence of malnutrition. While no specific percentage is given, the report from Doctors Without Borders of “acute malnutrition” in both infants and adults serves as a critical qualitative indicator of a severe food crisis.
3. For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Indicator for Target 3.d: Number of attacks on health facilities and personnel. The article explicitly mentions the attack on “a hospital in the Sudanese city of el-Fasher” and the kidnapping of “multiple health workers,” which are direct measures of the destruction of health capacity.
4. For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Indicator for Target 17.16: Amount of official development assistance. The article notes that “Ottawa has already pledged $103 million in aid to Sudan since the conflict started,” which is a quantifiable measure of financial resources mobilized through partnership.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: globalnews.ca