To Whom It May Concern,
August 13, 2025 (SSNA) — I am writing to express my deep dismay regarding reports of negotiations between the government of South Sudan and the government of Israel concerning the potential relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to South Sudan.
As a South Sudanese Canadian and a survivor of war, I feel it is imperative to voice my strong opposition to this proposal. This move would not only be profoundly irresponsible but would also represent a serious violation of the human rights and dignity of Palestinians who have already suffered immense trauma.
South Sudan is a nation still struggling with instability, where violence, displacement, and food insecurity are everyday realities. More than half of the South Sudanese population currently lives as refugees or internally displaced persons, many seeking safety in neighboring countries such as Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Relocating an already traumatized population to a region that is still recovering from its own protracted conflict is neither safe nor humane.
The concept of transferring refugees from one war-torn area to another, grappling with its own humanitarian crisis, is deeply misguided and ethically indefensible. Such a relocation would further jeopardize the lives and freedoms of the Palestinian people and undermine international humanitarian standards.
I respectfully urge Human Rights Watch, international leaders, and my prime minister, Mark Carney, to firmly oppose this proposal and ensure that any actions taken prioritize the safety, dignity, and self-determination of the Palestinian people.
Sincerely,
James T. Mathiang
South Sudanese Canadian
Alberta, Canada