Minister Yelich outlines Canada’s support at the London Conference on Afghanistan
December 4, 2014 – London, United Kingdom - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, at the London Conference on Afghanistan, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, reaffirmed Canada’s continued commitment to improving the lives of and opportunities for Afghanistan’s most vulnerable, especially women and girls.
“Canada has had an active development presence in Afghanistan for many years, and today’s announcement reaffirms the commitment made at the 2012 Tokyo Conference to help Afghanistan achieve its long-term development goals,’’ said Minister Yelich. “Building on strengths and accomplishments in Afghanistan over the past decade, Canada will continue to play an important role in supporting efforts toward a better future for all Afghans.”
Canada’s development assistance efforts in Afghanistan support the advancement of Afghan women and girls by investing in education; maternal, newborn and child health; and the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
In reaffirming this commitment, Canada is renewing support to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission for its efforts in promoting human rights protection through the country’s institutions, including the courts, police and schools, as well as civil society.
“Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of Afghans, particularly women and girls,” said Minister Paradis. “As Afghanistan enters its transformation decade, human rights, including equality between men and women, must be enforced, upheld, and protected. This support to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission will help to solidify the gains made by Afghans and ensure that their rights are protected in the years ahead.’’
In addition, Canada will continue to provide support for the Government of Afghanistan’s national budget expenditures through renewed funding to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund.
“Afghanistan is at a crucial time in its history, and its longer-term goal of being self-sustaining,’’ added Minister Paradis. ‘‘Canada’s continued support to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund will assist in providing essential support to the Government of Afghanistan.”
In 2014, Afghanistan was reconfirmed as a country of focus for the Government of Canada's international development efforts. Afghanistan is also one of 10 countries Canada has targeted for investments to improve maternal, newborn and child health.
Maxime Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
maxime.robert@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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