December 15, 2013 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that Canada will contribute $5 million to the UN-mandated trust fund to support the international mission led by the African Union in the Central African Republic (CAR).
“Canada’s financial support will contribute to efforts by the African Union to restore security and protect all communities in the country.
“I remain deeply concerned by the dire security and humanitarian situation in the CAR. The civilian population is suffering, and I am particularly troubled by reports of people being targeted because of their religion.
“Canada welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2127, which mandates the African Union-led international support mission in the CAR (MISCA) to stabilize the country and protect its citizens. Canada also welcomes the French military intervention in support of MISCA.
“We have already contributed over $6.9 million this year to help meet the urgent humanitarian needs of those affected by this conflict and will continue to assess how our contribution can best support the work of humanitarian partners.”
- 30 -
A backgrounder follows.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
On December 5, 2013, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution 2127 on the Central African Republic.
The resolution provides a 12-month authorization for an African Union-led international support mission in the CAR (MISCA) to protect civilians, stabilize the country, enable humanitarian assistance, support disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and facilitate security-sector reforms.
It also provides for an UN-administered trust fund to support the international mission led by the African Union in the CAR. The trust fund will be set up and operational in the coming days.
Resolution 2127 mandates French forces to support MISCA, establishes an arms embargo, and calls for the creation of an International Commission of Inquiry.
Canada contributed over $6.9 million in humanitarian assistance to the CAR in 2013. Through international and Canadian humanitarian organizations and other partners, Canada has provided clean water, food, basic health care and protection to the conflict-affected people of the CAR.
