Canada condemns escalating violence in Myanmar

September 1, 2017 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie today issued the following statement on the situation in Myanmar:

“Canada strongly condemns the escalating violence – and its impact on innocent people – in northern Rakhine State and calls for calm. We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and to ensure the safety, protection and support for civilians – including the Rohingya. The Government of Canada encourages the authorities in Myanmar to take measures to facilitate the continued delivery of humanitarian assistance and calls for the full resumption of assistance activities in a timely manner.

“Canada remains concerned about the safety of civilians crossing or trying to cross the border into Bangladesh. We recognize the additional challenges hosting refugees can place on the country's infrastructure and resources, and appreciate Bangladesh’s efforts in assisting many asylum seekers. In 2017, we have provided $1.13 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh to meet the needs of conflict-affected people, including the Rohingya, in addition to the $4.5 million in assistance we are providing to vulnerable populations in Myanmar. 

“Canada is encouraged by the Government of Myanmar’s commitment to carry out the recommendations contained in the final report of the Kofi Annan-led Advisory Commission on Rakhine State and looks forward to their timely implementation – in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.”

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