Minister Dion concludes successful participation at the United Nations General Assembly

September 23, 2016 - New York City, New York - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a productive four-day visit to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to build on Canada’s significant contributions to the UN mission to promote international peace, human rights and development.

During the visit, Minister Dion advanced a number of Canadian priorities, including international efforts to combat Daesh, reducing the violence in Syria, promoting human rights and the protection of civilians in conflict zones, countering terrorism, supporting UN mediation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts, and the critical issue of migrants and refugees. Minister Dion also held more than 20 bilateral meetings with counterparts from around the world.

Canada was also an important voice at the International Syria Support Group table to help prevent a worsening situation from leading to even more deaths and suffering. That necessary and critical work continues. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach people in need. Minister Dion highlighted how we must continue to seek solutions for the millions of people stranded in camps waiting to go back to their families and homes.

Minister Dion also convened a high-level discussion on the power of inclusion and diversity, during which he presented diversity as a strength and inclusion as a tool against xenophobia. Minister Dion also explained that an inclusive, peaceful society supports middle-class growth.

During his visit, Minister Dion made a number of important announcements, including:

• A package of up to $25 million of support over three years to enhance UN capacity in the area of conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. This is part of Canada’s new Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, unveiled last month.
• $2 million in new funding to counter violent extremism for the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund and to the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law to strengthen judicial cooperation on terrorism cases.
• 1.5 million for the Lifeline Project, which helps protect human rights defenders when they are threatened; $600,000 for UNESCO and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to improve education about genocide; and $825,000 to support a reconciliation effort by Equitas International Centre for Human Rights Education in Sri Lanka, where communities are still trying to recover after the civil war.
• $13.8 million for demining in Colombia. This included an announcement of new funding, $1.3 million, to the Organization of American States for logistical support for demining action in Colombia and $12.5 million for a project with the HALO Trust that was announced previously.

On the margins of UNGA, Minister Dion also signed a revised double-taxation agreement with Israel and a youth-mobility arrangement with San Marino.

Quotes

Quick facts

• Canada, a participant at the San Francisco Conference, is one of the founding members of the United Nations.
• In March 2016, Canada announced its candidacy for election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for a two-year term beginning in 2021.

Associated links

• Minister Dion announces new support for sustaining UN peace efforts
• Prime Minister announces Canada’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council
• Canada to support peace operations
• The Peace and Stabilization Operations Program
• Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations

Contacts

Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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