CANADA COMMITTED TO PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN DARFUR

CANADA COMMITTED TO PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN DARFURP

by Alrabe Adam EzaldeenThe Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced that Canada is committing $48 million to continue supporting critical African Union peacekeeping efforts in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region. “Canada is gravely concerned about the ongoing international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses in Darfur and condemns continued ceasefire violations by all parties. This support for the African Union Mission in Sudan is an additional effort to enhance the protection of civilians and to facilitate safe, unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations in urgent need. Canada consistently advocates for the safety and security of humanitarian workers, Canadian and others, to ensure that critical assistance such as food, water and medical treatment reaches those in need.“Canada welcomes the recent decision by the International Criminal Court Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, to name two individuals suspected of perpetrating war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. This is an important step toward addressing serious crimes committed in Darfur. Canada was a strong advocate of the United Nations (UN) Security Council referral of the Darfur situation to the International Criminal Court and an important financial contributor to the investigation. “Canada is a key partner in ongoing international efforts to help the parties involved in the conflicts in Sudan resolve their disputes peacefully, and to establish long-term peace and stability in Sudan. Canada strongly supports the efforts of the African Union and the UN to find a comprehensive political solution to the conflict in Darfur and will continue to provide critical support to the African Union Mission in Sudan until the transition to a UN-African Union hybrid force in Darfur can be accomplished.”