| Global Affairs Canada | statements
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights—adopted on this day in 1948—emphasizes that the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. In the face of growing challenges to human rights worldwide, Canada will continue working with partners to not only safeguard but also expand the protection and promotion of human rights.
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
Canada welcomes the end of the Assad regime in Syria, a regime that has inflicted decades of suffering on its own people. This event marks a significant turning point for the Syrian people, who have endured unimaginable hardship under the rule of Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad.
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development today issued the following statement: “Today, on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the tireless volunteers in Canada and around the world, who dedicate their time, energy and expertise to serve others."
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and is gravely concerned by its widespread impact on civilians. There is an alarming escalation of violence in regions such as Darfur and Gezira, including horrific conflict-related sexual violence. We are appalled by reports of shelling near the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur.
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement: Canada participated in the 21st Plenary Meeting of the Kimberley Process on Conflict Diamonds held from November 12 to 15, 2024, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a founding member, Canada values this multilateral forum for the role that it has played in breaking the link between conflict and diamonds since its founding in 2003.
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
"Participants expressed grave concern over the continued lack of respect of the will of the Belarusian people, especially as we move towards Belarus’s 2025 presidential election, that is expected to be neither free nor fair.
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
“Gender-based violence is among the most pervasive violations of human rights worldwide. Women and girls are subjected to particularly high rates of violence at home, online and in public and political spaces. When women who are politicians, activists or human rights defenders face violence, their right to safety is violated and democracy is threatened. Amid a growing global backlash against women’s and girls’ rights, Canada is working to protect civic space and promote women’s full participation in public life.
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
“Canada is deeply concerned following the sentencing today of 45 people in a national security trial of pro-democracy advocates known as the Hong Kong 47. The prosecution of these individuals and the lengthy prison sentences that ranged from 4 to 10 years are troubling.
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement: “A thousand days ago, Russia escalated its war on Ukraine into a brutal, full-scale invasion. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin thought a victory would be swift and decisive."
| Global Affairs Canada | statements
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement: “Today, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its sixth resolution on ending child, early and forced marriage. This is the 10th anniversary of Canada and Zambia’s partnership leading this resolution together. While good progress has been made, we must continue to collectively accelerate efforts to prevent, address and eliminate child, early and forced marriage by 2030.
