Minister Yelich and Ambassador Bennett Attend UNSC Open Debate on Victims of Attacks and Abuses on Ethnic or Religious Grounds in the Middle East

Minister urges the defence of freedom, pluralism and mutual respect

March 27, 2015 - New York City, New York - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today delivered the Canadian statement at the United Nations Security Council open debate on the victims of attacks and abuses on ethnic or religious grounds in the Middle East. She was joined by Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom.

The statement follows an announcement earlier this week by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Canada’s decision to extend and expand Canada’s military contribution to the global fight against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and to continue to respond to the humanitarian needs of vulnerable civilians affected by ISIL’s expansion and barbarity.

Quick Facts

  • On March 24, Prime Minister Harper announced that the Government of Canada would bring forward a motion in the House of Commons seeking support for the government’s decision to extend and expand Canada’s military contribution to the global fight against ISIL, with the goal of significantly degrading its capabilities.
  • The Government of Canada made the promotion of religious freedom a foreign policy priority in 2013 with the creation of the Office of Religious Freedom. It appointed Canada’s first ambassador for religious freedom and set out a mandate for protection and advocacy on behalf of religious minorities under threat, opposition to religious hatred and the promotion of pluralism abroad. 
  • Canada has demonstrated international leadership as a top humanitarian donor in responding to the crises in Iraq and Syria, providing food, shelter and health and relief supplies to those who need it most.

Quotes

“We must counter and discredit the extremist ideology of ISIL that craves a culture of impunity and violence and seeks to rule by brutal and barbaric intimidation.

“As Canadians, we must stand up for what is right and just, and defend the values of freedom, pluralism and mutual respect—values that speak to a universal truth grounded in the inalienable dignity of all people.”

- Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)

“We must speak up for those human beings from all religious communities that ISIL and other terrorist groups brutally persecute, and recognize the imperative of religious freedom in our efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.”

- Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom

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Erica Meekes
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)
343-203-5975
erica.meekes@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
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