Subcommittee on International Human Rights Committee on Nov. 24th, 2025

[Yonah Diamond]

I want to add to what Sadia was saying. In the first half of 2025, 90% of Sudan's official gold exports went to the U.A.E. Last year, it was 97% that went to the U.A.E. We're talking about an annual gold market of $15 billion. When we talk about the U.A.E.'s eye on Sudan at whatever cost, including the mass violence we see in Darfur, that's what we're talking about.

[Mutasim Ali]

This is not related to gold, but part of understanding the complexity of the conflict, as somebody who has been researching this for quite some time, is that we know that the Sudanese state, since independence, has been dividing the communities by establishing militia groups and the like.

I also think that the political elite played a critical role in getting us to where we are today. For example, every time they sign a bilateral peace citing the Sudanese people, the bilateral agreement always focuses on the two parties. That's part of the reason the transitional period failed. It was because of its bilateral nature, sidelining the entire Sudanese community. Not even an interim legislature was established, even though it was established in the constitutional document.

I therefore think that the army is always the problem and will continue to be the problem, but I think the political class has to take responsibility as well for failing to respond to Sudanese needs.

[The Chair, Liberal, Fayçal El-Khoury]

Thank you, sir.

That will conclude our study for today.

On behalf of the committee, all members, staff and interpreters, I would like to thank all the witnesses for your presence, for your interventions, for answering questions and for your introductions. It really enlightens the committee and gives a good idea about what's going on in Sudan. Hopefully, we will see peace prevail soon.

Thank you, especially, to our distinguished guest, Mr. Irwin Cotler, for being with us. Your presence enriches this committee. You're always welcome, Mr. Cotler.

Next week, we'll be holding two meetings. One meeting will focus on the recognition of international human rights champions. The other meeting will focus on the situation of 2SLGBTQ+ people from Uganda.

Is it the will of the committee to end the meeting?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Fayçal El-Khoury]

Thank you. The meeting has ended.