Statement on second anniversary of the chemical weapons attacks in Syria

Statement

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April 4, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the chemical weapons attack in Khan Shaykhun, Syria:

“Canada continues to be outraged by chemical weapons attacks in Khan Shaykhun in April 2017 and in Douma (Ghouta) in April 2018, which killed civilians and caused extreme suffering.

“We condemn the Assad regime’s repeated and morally reprehensible attacks on the people of Syria, including through its use of chemical weapons.

“We strongly support efforts to ensure perpetrators of such crimes are held to account. Today, we are announcing $2 million to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to support its work in assigning responsibility for chemical weapons use and its investigative efforts in Syria.

“Canada is committed to upholding the international rules-based order, including the prohibition on chemical weapons, and stands with the international community against those who seek to undermine it.”

**Quick facts**

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* The Joint Investigative Mechanism created by the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has concluded in the past that the Government of Syria has used chemical weapons against its own people.

* Canada has called for greater accountability and protection for civilians in Syria, including through Canada’s UN General Assembly resolution in December 2016, which garnered the support of 122 countries. Canada actively contributes to accountability efforts, including through its significant financial support to the OPCW.

* Since 2012, Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program has contributed more than $33 million to help destroy Syrian chemical weapons and to support special missions, initiatives and operations related to chemical weapons use, investigation, verification and monitoring in Syria.