Statement by ministers of foreign affairs and international development on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

November 25, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

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

“Violence against women and girls is among the most widespread human rights violations. Ending gender-based violence is a key objective of Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security released last month.

“This year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is drawing attention to survivors of violence.

“This means addressing violence in the community, providing them access to contraception, ending female genital mutilation and working to end sexual abuse by peacekeepers.

“Through our feminist foreign policy, Canada has committed to preventing and addressing sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, including sexual exploitation and abuse. We must ensure that women and girls are able to voice their needs when societies and communities torn apart by war come together to find their way to long-lasting peace.

“We must also recognize that here in Canada, too many women are the victims of violence themselves.

“Indigenous women and girls in particular, face ongoing, intersecting forms of discrimination and violence.

“Both at home and abroad, Canada is committed to working toward the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.”

Contacts

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

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
marie-emmanuelle.cadieux@international.gc.ca

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