December 20, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

“Members of the international donor community strongly believe that every child in Sudan has the right to access safe and equitable education opportunities.

“We note that on 27 October 2024 the Sudanese Federal Ministry of Education announced the decision to administer examinations for the 2022/23 cohort exclusively in areas controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces on 28 December 2024.

“While we commend the Ministry’s efforts to advance education objectives through the scheduled examinations, we express significant concern that this decision could result in the unsafe movement of students across lines of conflict. This will place their safety and well-being at serious risk. We also note that allowing exams to be conducted only in certain parts of the country could widen education gaps and inequities between children in Sudan.

“We are particularly concerned by the risks associated with the movement of children for these examinations. Given that students are already on the move to access examinations in SAF-controlled areas, we urgently call on all parties to the conflict to actively enable and facilitate the safe passage of students for the 28 December 2024 examinations.

“Given the recurrent nature of examinations, we strongly encourage relevant stakeholders to transparently develop a comprehensive strategy for future examination cycles. The greatest priority should be given to the safety of children, particularly to the heightened risks faced by girls and young people across Sudan.

Signatory countries in alphabetical order: Embassy of Canada responsible for Sudan, Embassy of Germany to Sudan, the British Office Sudan.