Canada imposes additional sanctions on Belarusian regime
News release
November 22, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Today, during the visit of Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing further sanctions on the Lukashenko regime for facilitating and enabling Russia’s illegal invasion and attempted annexation of Ukrainian territory.
By letting its territory serve as a launching pad for Russia’s egregious attacks against Ukraine, the Belarusian leadership is enabling the Russian regime’s human rights violations in places such as Bucha, Izium and Mariupol, and for contributing to the pain and suffering of millions around the globe that has resulted from President Putin’s weaponization of food and energy.
President Lukashenko’s complete disregard for human rights, both domestically and abroad, is unjustifiable. Canada is therefore imposing sanctions on an additional 22 Belarusian officials, including those complicit in the stationing and transport of Russian military personnel and equipment involved in the invasion of Ukraine. Canada is also imposing sanctions on an additional 16 Belarusian companies involved in military manufacturing, technology, engineering, banking and railway transportation.
These measures will exert further pressure on the Belarusian leadership. President Lukashenko must cease being an instrument of the Russian regime.
These new sanctions are the latest example of Canada’s efforts to stand with its international partners in support of Ukraine. Canada will continue to coordinate its measures with its partners to exert further pressure on President Putin and his accomplices.
Quotes
“Speaking truth to power is not always easy—but it is necessary. Canadians take inspiration from human rights defenders and leaders like Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who have the courage to speak up for what is right. Her actions, as well as those of Ukrainians, serve as a reminder that we must work together to create the world we want to live in. Those who enable human rights abuses cannot be allowed to walk on the UN Charter, and Canada will always call out those who do.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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Since Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,000 individuals and entities. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and partners.
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Since Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,500 additional individuals and entities from and in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
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In September 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry concluded that the Russian Federation has committed war crimes in Ukraine. Canada continues to support a full investigation into Russian war crimes.
Associated links
Contacts
Adrien Blanchard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adrien.Blanchard@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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