Canada and international community gravely concerned about human rights abuses in Myanmar’s Rakhine state

November 16, 2017 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement welcoming the adoption of the resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar by the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee:

“Today, Canada and the international community denounce the unconscionable human rights abuses being committed against the Rohingya people and other persecuted ethnic and religious minorities in Myanmar.  

“States are responsible for protecting their people from ethnic cleansing and from human rights abuses. We urge the military and civilian authorities in Myanmar to do everything in their power to end the violence, to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to fully implement the recommendations of the Kofi Annan-chaired Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.

“Canada calls on all parties to uphold their human rights obligations and to allow for a safe and voluntary return home by the Rohingya.”

Quick facts

• Canada has condemned and remains deeply concerned by the violence in Rakhine state, including sexual violence against women and girls and the subsequent displacement of more than 600,000 people into neighbouring Bangladesh.
• In 2017, Canada has committed over $25 million to help address critical humanitarian needs in Myanmar and  Bangladesh.
• On October 31, 2017, Canada launched the Myanmar Crisis Relief Fund, to which the Government of Canada will match every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities between August 25 and November 28, 2017.
• On October 23, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named the Honourable Bob Rae as his special envoy to Myanmar. Mr. Rae met with key players in the region to reinforce the urgent need to resolve the humanitarian and security crisis in Myanmar and to address the situation affecting vulnerable populations.
• On August 24, 2017, the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, established by the Government of Myanmar in August 2016 and chaired by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, released its final report that urged immediate action on human rights, development and security.

Associated links

• Resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
• Final Report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State
• Canada and the crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine state
• Minister Bibeau launches Myanmar Crisis Relief Fund
• Prime Minister appoints the Honourable Bob Rae as special envoy to Myanmar

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

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