Minister of Foreign Affairs to attend Brussels Conference on future of Syria

From: Global Affairs Canada

News Release

April 4, 2017 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

Canada is committed to finding solutions for the people of Syria and all those affected by the tragic conflict in the region.

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will participate in the Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, on April 5, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. The focus of this conference is to support a lasting political resolution to the Syrian war, and address the critical needs of millions of people across the region.

The Minister will deliver remarks at the “Future of Syria” session, during which she will underscore Canada’s response to the situation in Syria and the region. Canada’s engagement includes a contribution of $1.6 billion over the course of three years, announced in February 2016, towards enhanced security, stabilization, diplomatic engagement, and humanitarian and development assistance in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. In addition, the Minister will stress the need for accountability for crimes committed in Syria.

Quotes

“We all have a responsibility to help the Syrian people – and bring an end to the war. This means establishing a credible ceasefire and enabling immediate humanitarian access. Together, with the international community, Canada is deeply engaged in this endeavour. We will continue to call for durable peace for the people of Syria and the region.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick Facts

  • Canada has resettled more than 40,000 Syrian refugees since November 4, 2015.

  • The Brussels conference will be attended by more than 70 countries and it will be an opportunity for attendees to underscore contributions to respond to the crisis in Syria and the region.

  • The Brussels Conference builds on the London Conference on Supporting Syria and the Region which took place on February 4, 2016. It brought together world leaders from around the globe to raise significant new funding to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of those affected by the Syrian conflict.

  • Since the 2016 London Conference, Canada announced a $1.6 billion contribution over three years, of which Canada is pledging $1.1 billion to humanitarian and resilience-building development efforts.

  • At the United Nations, Canada continues to advocate for the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and accountability. This includes a Canada-led UNGA resolution on the situation in Syria on December 9, 2016, which garnered the support of 122 countries.

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