Where the guns come from: Canadian-made weapons in the Sudan conflict

• The Sudan crisis is one of the world's biggest humanitarian catastrophes. And the people living through it want to share their stories. Call 1-877-25-RESPOND to hear real messages from those most impacted. You can also donate and make a difference to families, communities and children in Sudan.

It’s been three years since the Sudan crisis erupted. A brutal and devastating war that’s left more than 33 million people, including millions of children, in dire need of urgent aid.

Imagine living in Sudan, where every day:

• Hospitals are inaccessible due to damage.
• Schools are closed or unsafe to attend.
• Food and water supplies are blocked.

Finding basic healthcare is a struggle. Boys and girls are missing out on education. Families wonder and worry about when and where they’ll find their next meal.

• “For children in Sudan, this conflict has meant hunger, fear, and the loss of what should be safe spaces: hospitals, schools, and homes. And Sudan is not alone. In a world of growing instability and violence, we must refuse to accept this as the new normal. Children cannot be treated as collateral. This isn’t how childhood should look and it doesn’t have to be this way.” —Allison Alley, President and CEO of World Vision Canada

Lifesaving aid is being blocked. But the guns and weapons used in the conflict are still getting through.

How is this happening?

Weapons amid the Sudan conflict

The CBC and the Globe and Mail have found that Canadian-made weapons may have reached Sudan indirectly and are being used in the Sudan conflict.

Rifles and armored vehicles are making their way from Canadian manufacturers to Sudanese fighters via third countries. Goods like these would be subject to Canada’s export control system, which states in part:

• Canada prohibits the export, sale, supply, or shipment of arms and related materiel to countries that are under United Nations Security Council arms embargos, through regulations under the United Nations Act.

Sudan, under United Nations resolution 1591 (2005), is subject to an arms embargo in the Darfur region, restricting the transfer of weapons to parties involved in that conflict.

Transfers of Canadian weapons should be prohibited under Canadian law. This raises questions around gaps within Canada’s system.

While the federal government claims that Canada’s export laws are among the strictest in the world, officials have not explained why and how Canadian weapons are being used in an escalating human catastrophe.

• “Canadians are rightly asking how this is happening and what is being done by the Canadian government to help stop it. If Canada’s export controls are as strong as our government says, it should be able to demonstrate how they are preventing harm. That means transparency, accountability, and concrete action to close the gaps that allow Canadian weapons to harm children.” —Martin Fischer, Director of Policy at World Vision Canada

The human toll of the Sudan conflict

In displacement camps across Sudan, children and families sit on rocky ground with no real shelter.

And the guns keep getting through.

Nearly 12 million people have fled their homes and millions more remain trapped as the violence escalates.

More than 42,000 unaccompanied or separated children have been registered in Sudan and neighbouring countries.

For three long years, this is everyday life in Sudan. Compounding suffering with no end in sight. No peace on the horizon.

And the guns keep getting through.

What needs to happen

On April 15, 2026, the Sudan Conference will take place in Berlin to discuss the Sudan conflict, mobilize emergency assistance and seek ways to end the violence.

Canada is expected to be there. World Vision Canada is calling on the federal government to enact two immediate steps:

Tighten export controls

• Ensure Canadian-made weapons, ammunition and components cannot be delivered into Sudan—or any conflict zones—where they can cause harm to families, communities, children and civilians.

Be a diplomatic leader

• Press for safe and secure access for humanitarian aid so that emergency food, clean water, essential medicines and more reach families in need.

• “Communities are running out of food, water, and basic services, and many families simply cannot access the help they need. Humanitarian assistance is ready, but insecurity and access restrictions are delaying it from reaching the most vulnerable, especially children.” —Simon Mane, National Director of World Vision Sudan

These recommendations come at a critical moment as policymakers, humanitarian leaders—and Canadians—want to help and protect the people of Sudan.

Strengthening export controls and advocating for humanitarian access are clear priorities if the international community hopes to address the Sudan crisis more effectively.

Take action

Make your voice heard that you want to get Canadian weapons out of Sudan. Call 1-877-25-RESPOND to hear directly from those impacted by the Sudan crisis.

It’s their voices. Their stories. Their realities.

• From conflict to childhood: Violence forced Amal’s family to leave their home. Now in a child-friendly refugee camp, she laughs, skips, goes to school and plays with friends. As all children should.

You can also leave messages of hope. Your messages will be shared with Canadian parliamentarians to demonstrate public demand for action.

Other ways you can help:

Donate to Sudan

• Protect children caught in conflict and crisis. Help us help children and families who are most at risk.

Contact your MP

• Find your Member of Parliament (MP) and let them know you want meaningful action on Sudan.