Sep 22, 2021 | International
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend meetings held during the high-level segment of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Minister will participate in a number of events addressing critical international issues and highlight the importance of multilateral global cooperation.
September 21, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend meetings held during the high-level segment of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Minister will participate in a number of events addressing critical international issues and highlight the importance of multilateral global cooperation.
On September 21, he delivered remarks at the ministerial meeting focused on safeguarding the achievements of 20 years of international engagement in Afghanistan and continuing to support Afghan women’s and girls’ access to education.
In ongoing discussions with other foreign ministers, Minister Garneau will participate on September 22 in a special meeting of G20 ministers on the continuing situation in Afghanistan.
On September 23, Minister Garneau will deliver remarks at a ministerial meeting of the Alliance for Multilateralism emphasizing the importance of effective multilateralism for dialogue, shared understanding and collective decision making.
Ambassador Bob Rae, Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York, Marta Morgan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other Canadian delegates will also represent Canada at meetings throughout the week.
“Canada has a long history of working to make the United Nations a stronger and more effective institution in order to protect Canada’s interests and build a world that is safe, peaceful and prosperous for everyone. We remain committed to supporting the invaluable role it needs to play in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.”
– Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Jul 18, 2021 | International
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
July 16, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Minister Garneau reiterated Canada’s commitment to promoting and upholding human rights both in Canada and around the world. He also highlighted and thanked High Commissioner Bachelet for the invaluable work of the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in preventing violations and abuses, and ensuring monitoring of human rights globally.
Minister Garneau and High Commissioner Bachelet discussed the recently concluded session of the UN Human Rights Council, as well as human rights situations of concern in Afghanistan, Belarus, Ethiopia, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Syria, Venezuela, and Xinjiang (China).
Minister Garneau also emphasized Canada’s steadfast commitment to advancing reconciliation and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. He conveyed that Canada remains committed to supporting Survivors, their families, communities and all those impacted by the racist and colonial legacy of residential schools.
The Minister and the High Commissioner agreed to continue working closely together to promote and protect human rights globally.
Jul 7, 2021 | International
Minister Garneau reaffirmed Canada’s support for Belarus’ democratic movement and sought Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s views regarding the ongoing human rights violations in the country. Minister Garneau reiterated the need for an international investigation into these violations.
July 6, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian opposition leader.
Minister Garneau reaffirmed Canada’s support for Belarus’ democratic movement and sought Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s views regarding the ongoing human rights violations in the country. Minister Garneau reiterated the need for an international investigation into these violations.
Minister Garneau underscored Canada’s support for democracy. He also pointed to Canada’s multifaceted support to Belarusian civil society and to recent sanctions, in coordination with the United Kingdom, United States and European Union, to maintain pressure on the Belarusian regime to end its repeated assault on the human rights and dignity of the Belarusian people.
Minister Garneau and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya unequivocally condemned the Belarusian regime’s reckless, forced diversion of Ryanair flight FR4978 and the arrest of Roman Protasevich and his companion, Sofia Sapega. Both Minister Garneau and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya expressed great concern for the well-being of Mr. Protasevich, given his seemingly forced confession.
Minister Garneau and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya concluded their meeting by recalling the importance of consistent, coordinated support to Belarus’ democratic movement and, while they acknowledged that challenges lay ahead, they expressed hope for the future of Belarusian democratic ambitions.
Jul 6, 2021 | International
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded an official visit to the West Bank, where he also met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Riad Malki.
July 5, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded an official visit to the West Bank, where he also met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Riad Malki.
During these meetings, the Minister conveyed that Canada is a firm supporter of the Palestinian people and reaffirmed Canada’s longstanding commitment to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. In recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, Canada continues to work and engage diplomatically with regional partners and the international community to help support efforts toward sustainable peace and security, deliver humanitarian assistance, and advance human rights and gender equality.
The Minister conveyed Canada’s disappointment with the decision to postpone Palestinian elections and urged the officials to hold them as soon as possible.
The Minister placed particular emphasis on helping the most vulnerable Palestinians and the meaningful participation of women and youth in peace and security efforts. In this regard, the Minister announced a commitment of up to $2 million to support grassroots women peacebuilders and women-led civil society organizations working in conflict prevention, as well as up to $1 million to support initiatives that promote democratic practices and foster the participation of women and youth in decision-making processes. These funds are drawn from the $25 million Prime Minister Trudeau announced in May to support Palestinian civilians.
Minister Garneau engaged in a roundtable discussion with Gaza-based humanitarian workers. Moderated by Lynn Hastings, UN Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the roundtable presented an opportunity to discuss ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza and convey Canada’s appreciation for their life-saving work.
Minister Garneau also visited the Techno Park at Birzeit University to observe the impact of a $9 million Canadian investment in Cowater International’s Generating Revenue Opportunities for Women and Youth project, established to enhance economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and increase prosperity for low-income women and youth in the West Bank. During the visit, Palestinian engineers and entrepreneurs delivered presentations on their innovative renewable energy initiatives, which have been selected for seed funding and business incubation services by the Flow Accelerator.
Minister Garneau also met with Palestinian community leaders to hear directly from them on the Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts and to discuss democratic engagement. He also underscored the importance of upholding inclusive democratic processes and human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He raised particular concerns regarding attacks on journalists and women. In addressing the death of Palestinian political activist Nizar Banat, the Minister called for transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
During his visit, Minister Garneau restated Canada’s long-standing position and concerns that the continued expansion of settlements, demolitions and evictions constitute a serious obstacle to achieving peace and the need for these activities to cease. The Minister also restated Canada’s commitment to a two-state solution, with Palestinian and Israeli peoples living side-by-side in peace and security and with their human rights fully respected.
“Canada reaffirms its longstanding support for the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. We continue to believe that a two-state solution is the path to a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Canada will continue to engage with partners in the region and the international community toward peace and security for all peoples in the Middle East.”
Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Canada is committed to addressing the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable Palestinians while advancing the cause of peace, including by supporting the Palestinian people to build the social and economic conditions necessary for a two-state solution.
During the recent conflict in May 2021, Canada publicly urged all parties to take immediate steps to end the violence, de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and uphold international law. Minister Garneau also called for the absolutely unacceptable barrage of rocket attacks fired by Hamas into Israel to cease immediately.
In line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada provides significant assistance to Palestinians in areas such as humanitarian assistance, growth that works for everyone, inclusive governance and promotion of peace and stability, while also advancing gender equality.
On May 28, 2021, following the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas, Canada announced a $25‑million assistance package to support Palestinians affected by the violence in Gaza and the West Bank. The package includes support for urgent humanitarian needs, rebuilding and recovery efforts, and peacebuilding initiatives that advance the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Jun 26, 2021 | International
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Ambassador to Germany and Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe, will undertake a mission to explore options for Canada to better support Armenian democracy.
June 25, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Ambassador to Germany and Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe, will undertake a mission to explore options for Canada to better support Armenian democracy.
Building on the joint work of recent years and long-standing people-to-people ties between our countries, Canada is committed to cooperating with Armenia to further its democratic progress, which is of critical importance not only for Armenian society but for the region.
Special Envoy Dion will examine options as to how Canada can encourage the ongoing efforts of Armenian civil society, strengthen democratic institutions, grow Armenia’s engagement with multilateral institutions, and promote inclusive economic growth. The goal is that as a result of this mission, the support of Canadian society for the benefit of Armenian democracy is durably consolidated.
His work will take several months and will include virtual consultations with a range of stakeholders in Canada and partners in Armenia. COVID-19 travel permitting, he will also travel to Armenia to meet with senior members of Armenia’s government and key departments, as well as with partner embassies, civil society groups, international organizations, private sector representatives and local media. He will also meet with Members of Parliament and civil servants involved with the Canadian-funded Parliamentary Centre project.
This mission underscores the importance Canada attaches to the success of Armenian democracy. The Special Envoy will report his findings to Minister Garneau following the mission. This will include recommendations to guide Canada’s future engagement with Armenia toward further realizing its democratic ambitions.
“A strong democracy in Armenia is one of the building blocks for stability in the region. Special Envoy Dion has always shown a great interest in the democratic success of Armenia, and his profound grasp of democratic development will ensure that he will serve Canadians well in this mission.”
– Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs
