Address by Minister Dion to an informal session of the UN General Assembly discussing Syria

October 20, 2016 - New York City, New York

Check against delivery. This speech has been translated in accordance with the Government of Canada’s official languages policy and edited for posting and distribution in accordance with its communications policy.

Canada—along with 71 other UN member states—requested this informal session of the General Assembly, as the crisis in Aleppo is rising to new heights.

I would like to thank [the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, and the UN Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura] for the overview they provided about the situation in Syria.

The darkest chapters of the Syrian tragedy are being written before our very eyes, as savage bombings have targeted civilians, civil infrastructure, humanitarian convoys, public markets and hospitals.

The worst horrors are taking place in Aleppo, which has been torn apart by bombs; besieged, starved, wounded and terrorized by appalling tactics.

Not to mention the fact that these horrors are taking place in one of the cradles of civilization, at the crossroads where the East meets Africa and the West.

Many efforts have been made over the past few months. But Syrians continue to suffer. We must act immediately.

First, the Security Council’s inability to carry out its responsibilities is troubling. We must stop the attempts to block its efforts.

Second, the Assad regime and its supporters, especially Russia, have an obligation to cease the strikes on the civilian population and to permit the delivery of humanitarian aid under good conditions.

Third, we need an immediate and lasting end to the bombings in Aleppo and unhindered humanitarian access. These are the conditions required to end the hostilities permanently and to initiate peace talks. A short humanitarian pause, without notice and without clear parameters, does not allow for the necessary assistance, even in the UN’s opinion.

Fourth, we must support the Security Council in the key role it needs to play. We must help it to break the current, distressing impasse. We are asking the Security Council for a strong resolution to end the violence and the bloodbath.

As for the General Assembly that brings us together today, we have the heavy responsibility of, collectively, ensuring that international humanitarian law is respected in the Syrian crisis. All of us believe in this institution—in the UN —and in its ability to deliver humanitarian aid. Canada is ready to play its part.

We cannot allow the most fundamental rules of our UN system, the rules on which we all base ourselves and for which we are responsible, to be disregarded.

We must reassure our citizens, those all around the world, who are very concerned about our inability to put an end to the tragedy in Syria.

We must also be ready to use the tools at our disposal to apply pressure and counter attempts at blocking efforts, including an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly.

Finally, Canada calls on all of the actors involved so there is credible and significant follow-up to the peace efforts, in Lausanne or elsewhere.

It is time for the international community to overcome its divisions, to unite and to act together, urgently, to find solutions to the Syrian crisis, to end the hostilities and especially to ensure humanitarian access.

Mr. President of the UN General Assembly, thank you for bringing us together today. Please be assured of Canada’s support as we move forward.

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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