Canada calls for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to Venezuela

Statement

February 23, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

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

“For the past two years, the world has watched with great concern as Venezuela, under Nicolás Maduro’s rule, has descended into dictatorship. With growing numbers of Venezuelans in desperate need of help and scores fleeing the country, the need for the Maduro regime to allow safe and unrestricted humanitarian access is becoming ever clearer.

“Experienced humanitarian partners are on the ground and are providing assistance in this complex environment, but their efforts are inhibited by the Maduro regime. Troubling reports from today indicate that regime actors burned aid rather than allow its delivery to people in need in Venezuela.

“Canada is deeply concerned by the acts of violence allegedly perpetrated by the Maduro regime, designed to block the entry of relief items from neighbouring countries. Canada calls for these unacceptable attacks to be investigated and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. These attacks on civilians are simply unacceptable and a violation of basic humanitarian principles and human decency.

“Canada continues to call for safe and unrestricted access to allow for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable populations affected by this crisis.

“Canada stands in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and reaffirms their right to peace and democracy, and the full respect of their human rights.”

Contacts

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

Justine Lesage
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
343-203-5977
justine.lesage@international.gc.ca

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