Yesterday, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed Canada’s concern regarding the pattern of escalating violence in Darfur. In camps for internally displaced persons, over 100 civilians have been killed in recent weeks.

“Canada urges the Government of Sudan to take steps to ensure the safety of Darfur’s citizens, and to allow full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to assist those in need,” said Minister Cannon.

For Minister Cannon’s full statement, please click here.

While Minister Cannon’s comments are timely and appropriate, speaking out against the escalating violence in Darfur is only one part of the solution. Canada also needs to continue their engagement with the Darfur peace process to ensure the Darfuri society is fairly and widely represented. Furthermore, we need to call upon Sudan’s ruling political party to lift restrictions on opposition parties, civil society organizations and the media.

Today, I ask you to let Minister Cannon know that you want Canada to make Sudan a priority. With the referendum on independence for South Sudan in January 2011, Canada needs to anticipate how this significant vote will affect the whole of Sudan and particularly what consequences it will have for Darfur. With the referendum only a few months away, this is an important time for Canada to demonstrate leadership on the issues facing Sudan.

Email Minister Cannon, and make a difference for Darfur today.