Parliamentary Secretary Damoff to attend Human Rights Council’s 55th session and high-level segment of Conference on Disarmament

News release

February 26, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will represent Canada at the high-level segment of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council and at the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament on February 26 and 27, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Parliamentary Secretary Damoff will speak at both events, where she will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to supporting the United Nations multilateral rules-based system by promoting and protecting human rights and highlighting Canada’s nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation priorities, including beginning negotiations on a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.

While in Geneva, Parliamentary Secretary Damoff will engage with international partners and representatives of civil society organizations on several priorities, including the promotion of human rights and democracy.

Quotes

“Canada is fully committed to supporting the United Nations human rights system. Canada will continue to work to advance human rights and improve equity and justice for people at home and around the world.

The Conference on Disarmament must be revitalized to help build a safer and more peaceful world. Canada stands ready to work with the international community to ensure that global challenges to peace and security do not hinder progress toward achieving the ultimate goal of general and complete disarmament.”

- Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) is the primary multilateral body that convenes regularly to address human rights issues and provide a platform for civil society engagement. The council is made up of 47 member states, which are elected by the UN General Assembly.
Canada actively participates in the HRC as an observer.
Canada has presented its candidacy for a seat on the HRC for the 2028 to 2030 term as part of its commitment to working with partners to strengthen the UN human rights system.
Canada is a founding member of the Conference on Disarmament, a 65-member body mandated by the UN General Assembly to negotiate multilateral disarmament treaties.
Since its creation in 1978, the Conference on Disarmament has negotiated landmark treaties such as the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (yet to enter into force).

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2024-02-26