The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified systemic and long-standing inequalities, with women and girls disproportionately affected by the crisis. Bold action is needed to renew momentum and accelerate progress on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity.
Canada has consistently supported the United Nations in working toward an inclusive intra-Syrian political solution, as laid out in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. An inclusive political transition is only possible through the meaningful participation of all Syrians, including women. Canada is a vigorous advocate for the inclusion of women in politics, negotiations and conflict resolution. Canadian officials have continued to support the women, peace and security agenda in all engagement with Syrian stakeholders.
A decade of war has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, leading to the dire suffering of millions of people in Syria and neighbouring countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified their hardship.
The Government of Canada is committed to the fight against racism and systemic racial discrimination. We recognize that racism is pervasive and a lived reality for many people in this country, including Indigenous peoples and Black and Asian Canadians and many racialized communities.
Growing trade and investment partnerships between Canada and the dynamic economies of Africa is more important than ever as businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement: “Ten years ago, Syrians peacefully stood up to demand change and a better future for their children. Their bravery was brutally repressed, and in the decade that followed, Syrians repeatedly suffered human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Assad regime has engaged in torture, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and the use of chemical weapons. The regime and its enablers—notably Russia—have also deliberately attacked civilian targets, including hospitals and schools.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the human rights of all women and their full, equal and meaningful participation in economic, political, social and cultural life, at home and abroad.
Canada has announced $29.5 million in development assistance for 6 projects to support high-quality education, peace and economic prosperity in Colombia caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis in Venezuela.
The human cost of the ongoing conflict in Yemen is dire. That is why Canada is committed to ensuring that emergency relief quickly reaches those most affected by the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Today, we reiterate Canada’s commitment to ending the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Worldwide, too many boys and girls continue to be robbed of their most basic rights by this appalling practice. Some are killed, and many others suffer severe, lasting physical and emotional scars.