May 23, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and Minister of International Cooperation Beverley J. Oda today issued the following statement on the poisoning of more than 100 Afghan school girls in Takhar province:
“Canada condemns this cowardly and senseless act of violence against innocent school girls and their teachers.
“We are concerned about recent similar incidents targeting Afghan school children and we hope the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice.
“This deplorable incident demonstrates the importance for Canada to focus on women and girls in Afghanistan.
“Canada supports a range of projects in the areas of education, especially for girls and women, maternal and child health and humanitarian assistance.
“Over the past decade, we have seen positive results as close to 3 million Afghan girls now attend school. They should have the right to do so without fear or threats.
“Investing in the future of Afghan children and youth is one of Canada's four priorities in Afghanistan.”
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