General Statement by the Government of Canada
Delivered by H.E. Paul Meyer
Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Permanent Mission of Canada
to the
CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS
HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
on
"Addressing the Humanitarian Needs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons inside Iraq and in Neighbouring Countries"
Geneva, April 17-18, 2007
CANADIAN STATEMENT
UNHCR conference on "Addressing the Humanitarian Needs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons inside Iraq and in Neighbouring Countries"
Geneva, April 17-18, 2007
Mr. Chair, Distinguished representatives,
- On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to express my appreciation to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for hosting this important and timely conference and for the valuable presentations made by the various panellists.
- The high number of casualties resulting from sectarian attacks deliberately targeting civilian populations in addition to criminally motivated attacks concerns Canada. We implore those perpetrating the violence to respect international humanitarian law and other applicable legal standards. We call unequivocally on all parties to the conflict to do more to protect Iraq's civilian population.
- The ability to access populations in need, including those internally displaced, and to ensure effective distribution of aid for them and host communities, must be addressed as a priority by the Government of Iraq with the support of the international community.
- We note with particular appreciation the efforts of aid agencies and their staff - including local staff - who demonstrate daily their determination to meet the needs of Iraqis, despite the threats to their own safety.
Mr. Chair,
- Canada is gravely concerned that sectarian violence and criminal acts have forced a significant number of Iraqis to flee their homes for a safer place, both inside and outside Iraq - approximately one in eight Iraqis. This trend could exacerbate ethnic and sectarian tensions within Iraq and contribute to wider regional instability. The exodus of Iraqis may deprive the country of the talent and expertise needed to rebuild their country.
- We salute the generosity of neighbouring countries, notably Syria, Jordan, but also Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and others, where many host communities and authorities have supported a large influx of Iraqi asylum seekers. We welcome their commitment to uphold essential refugee protection principles, and to provide a haven for those fleeing Iraq.
- The need for international burden-sharing in response to this displacement is clear. Canada calls on States around the world, and particularly in the region, to support Iraq and countries of first asylum to provide needed protection and assistance to affected populations, with particular attention to the most vulnerable. Resettlement has a role to play in relieving some of the pressure on neighbouring countries, and assisting vulnerable individuals in urgent need of protection.
- Our collective objective, however, must be to ensure that all displaced populations have access to protection, until such time as conditions enable them to return home. This requires more effective efforts to resolve the root causes for their flight and more effective support for those requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.
- Canada welcomes the decision by OCHA to augment its presence. This should help enhance data collection and analysis of critical needs, and result in a better coordinated and more strategic approach by the humanitarian community.
- Canada has taken note with concern that some of the refugee communities living inside Iraq - such as Palestinians, Syrians and Iranians - have been both discriminated against in their communities and targeted in attacks by militants; already vulnerable as refugees, twice victimized. Canada remains particularly concerned about the situation of Palestinians, in Baghdad and stranded in border regions. This group, although a comparatively small part of the larger refugee outflow, is especially at risk and should be allowed to seek asylum and access to international protection. We urge states to work together to find both temporary and durable solutions for them.
Mr. Chair,
- As the fourth largest donor to the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI) and as an active member of its Donor Committee, Canada is working to promote governance, human rights, public and financial sector reform, and to address urgent basic needs in Iraq.
- A significant portion of our Can $300 million commitment towards Iraqi reconstruction and development for 2003-2010 has been directed toward providing humanitarian aid and meeting basic social and economic needs. In response to the UNHCR and ICRC 2007 appeals, Canada has set aside additional resources to respond to the urgent humanitarian requirements of displaced populations in and outside Iraq.
- It will be important for the UN to clarify how the activities under the UNHCR appeal will be coordinated with other funding provided to the UN - for example via IRFFI - for reconstruction, and in response to urgent protection and material assistance needs for internally displaced people.
- Consistent with our longstanding humanitarian tradition of providing protection to refugees, Canada has resettled 3000 Iraqis in the last five years. Canada has agreed to accept a further 500 referrals of Iraqi refugees in 2007 in response to requests from UNHCR. This is in addition to Canada's previous commitment to resettle up to 900 Iraqis this year. This means that altogether Canada will accept up to 1,400 Iraqis this year.
- Canada commends the efforts of other resettlement countries for their participation in this international burden-sharing initiative. We encourage other partners to assist with meeting the resettlement needs of the most vulnerable individuals.
- This important conference is part of a series of high-level meetings linking Iraq to its international partners. These meetings will focus on joint efforts to work toward a package of security, economic and political reforms in Iraq. These efforts reflect the commitment of the international community to the restoration of peace and prosperity in Iraq.
- Nevertheless, enormous challenges lay ahead. Our collective success in responding to the crisis in Iraq is measured most directly in the lives saved, the displacement averted and whether our efforts contribute to a greater measure of stability in Iraq's nascent democracy. Canada is committed to working with the international community to ensure that those affected by the conflict in Iraq benefit from the greatest protection possible.
Mr. Chair,
Thank you.
