April 24, 2008
No. 97
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the situation in Darfur:
"Canada is deeply concerned by the statement made by UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Sir John Holmes that the number of civilian deaths resulting from the conflict in Darfur had increased by half since 2006, from 200,000 to 300,000. These new UN estimates are credible and most worrisome.
"There can be no military solution to the ongoing conflict in Darfur, which is why we are urging the Sudanese government and rebels to cease their hostilities and continue with the negotiation process being led by the UN and the African Union.
"We reiterate our call to all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians. We also ask that they provide humanitarian workers with free and secure access so the Sudanese people can receive protection and proper assistance. Canada also encourages the Government of Sudan to facilitate the deployment of the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur."
During his visit to Sudan in March, Minister Bernier shared Canada's concerns about the humanitarian and human rights situation in Sudan, and more specifically in Darfur, with senior officials of the national unity government, including Sudan's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
At that time, Minister Bernier also announced a new Canadian investment of up to $275 million in security, diplomacy and aid initiatives, including assessed contributions to UN peacekeeping operations in Sudan and a $40-million contribution for equipment and training for African troops with the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur, making Canada the mission's second-largest voluntary financial supporter.
For more information on Canada's contribution to establishing long-lasting peace in Sudan, please consult the following website: www.canadasudan.gc.ca.
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