Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant concludes participation in General Assembly of Organization of American States and announces new funding to support Colombia’s peacebuilding process
News release
June 28, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded his visit to Paraguay, where he led Canada’s delegation to the 54th regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) from June 26 to 28, 2024.
During the General Assembly, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant delivered a statement on behalf of Canada, where he highlighted the importance of working with other member states to strengthen democratic institutions and regional security. He also reiterated that gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls are central to Canada’s engagement in the Americas and emphasized Canada’s continued focus on the situations in Haiti and Nicaragua.
While in Paraguay, the Parliamentary Secretary also engaged with government officials, civil society organizations and regional partners on Canada’s commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law and the protection and promotion of human rights, including diversity, the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals and Indigenous peoples.
Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant announced, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, a total of $6.3 million in project funding to support the peacebuilding process in Colombia through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. This funding encompasses three projects aimed at fostering sustainable peace and justice in Colombia: the United Nations Multi-partner Trust Fund for Sustainable Peace in Colombia, which facilitates the implementation of the Peace Accord; the Justice, Gender and Peacebuilding project in Colombia, which enhances citizen participation and justice for marginalized groups; and the Organization of American States’ Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia, which assists in observing and supporting broader peacebuilding efforts.
Quotes
“Eight years after the signing of the peace agreement in Colombia, Canada continues to support Colombia’s peace implementation process. We are committed to continuing to work through the OAS and other multilateral organizations to advance human rights and the full implementation of the peace agreement in Colombia.’’
- Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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Canada became a full member of the OAS in 1990 and is the third-largest contributor to the organization.
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Founded in 1948, the OAS is the oldest regional organization in the world. It is built on 4 pillars: democracy, human rights, security and development.
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The Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) is the Government of Canada’s principal platform for conflict prevention, stabilization and peacebuilding in fragile and conflict-affected states. It enables Canada to take rapid and coordinated action to prevent and respond to emerging and ongoing instances of violent conflict and state fragility.
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PSOPs leads in setting policies and providing guidance for Global Affairs Canada’s peace and stabilization programming, offering quick and flexible funding for peace initiatives through grants and contributions. Canada provided $5.56 million in international assistance for the Colombian peacebuilding process in the fiscal year 2023 to 2024.
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