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Message to the University Community on Conflict in Sudan

Update – June 8, 2023:  

We continue to follow the conflict in Sudan with deep concern. I encourage students, faculty, staff and librarians in our community who are affected by this crisis to make full use of the University’s supports outlined in my previous message (below).  

I would also like to share some additional opportunities and resources:  

  • Donations: The federal government announced on June 6 that it will match donations made by individuals between May 1 and June 30 to the Humanitarian Coalition for relief efforts in East Africa, including Sudan. We encourage those in the University community who wish to make a financial contribution to consider this opportunity.  
  • Temporary immigration measures: We encourage those affected by this crisis to consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website to learn about temporary visa measures the Canadian government has put in place for Sudanese nationals in Canada, and family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have fled Sudan due to the conflict. 
  • Scholars at Risk programs: The University’s Scholars at Risk programs offer financial support to a number of scholars and students from anywhere in the world — including Sudan — who meet established criteria. These criteria include having registered at or accepted an offer of admission to the University of Toronto and being able to enter Canada.  Originally set up to support refugee students, the programs now accept applicants who do not have refugee status.  Please note, however, that these processes take time and follow normal admission cycles.   

I encourage our community to continue supporting one another and to access the range of wellness resources, including culturally sensitive and same-day care, as listed below. I also urge students, faculty, staff or librarians who are affected by this crisis and need help to find the right supports or resources to contact my office at vp.international@utoronto.ca.   

Joseph Wong 
Vice-President, International 

Apr. 29, 2023:

On behalf of the University of Toronto, I would like to express concern and sympathy for those here and abroad who are affected by the current conflict in Sudan. We know some members of our community have family and friends, as well as colleagues and collaborators, in Sudan who have been directly impacted by the violence. We are also aware that some have fled the country and may need emergency assistance. 

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Students has engaged in targeted outreach to student groups, to check on the well-being of our students and to confirm their awareness of available supports.  

To all members of the U of T community who are affected, I appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time. If you need support, please do not hesitate to make use of the support resources listed below.

Yours truly,

Joseph Wong
Vice-President, International
University of Toronto

Academic support services and/or considerations:

Personal support services:

Faculty, staff and librarians may contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1-855-597-2110.

For further information on the situation in Sudan, please refer to Global Affairs Canada: https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/response_conflict-reponse_conflits/crisis-crises/sudan-soudan.aspx?lang=eng

Faculty and staff who are travelling for work-related purposes are reminded to register with International SOS before travelling; the service can provide some emergency support in a crisis.