The organizing committee of Muslim Literary Festival (MLF) stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan. Since April 2023, conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group, has resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of property and infrastructure. This conflict has displaced over 8 million people and airstrikes have damaged more than 70% of medical facilities and hospitals, forcing them to close. Half of Sudan’s population, 25 million people, are in need of critical humanitarian assistance. There has also been an increase in sexual violence and millions of women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence. This is a humanitarian crisis that needs the world’s attention, and MLF will not look away. MLF condemns this violence and calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to the conflict and humanitarian crisis.

In June 2023 it was announced that the government of Canada would provide $40 million in humanitarian assistance funding for emergency health services, food and nutrition services, and access to shelter, water, and sanitation. In December 2023, the minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a new family-based humanitarian pathway that allows Sudanese people to permanently reunite with their family in Canada. However, there have been no updates about this pathway or Canada’s response to this conflict since it was announced. Sudan needs more international aid and we urge Canadians to take action by contacting their MP to call for a ceasefire in Sudan. We encourage you to use the resources listed below to stay informed and get involved.

There are several other countries and regions being impacted by imperialism, and MLF also stands in solidarity with Palestine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Haiti, Hawaii, and all oppressed peoples of the world. Our organization stands for liberation and will always stand against oppression.