Canada strongly condemns targeting of civilians in northwestern Syria

Statement

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February 28, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:

“Canada condemns in the strongest terms the deliberate attacks targeting civilians, schools, medical personnel and health-care facilities now occurring in Idlib, Syria. These ongoing attacks on innocent civilians by the Syrian regime, its supporters and foreign facilitators must end. The violence has had a disastrous impact on civilians, killing more than 298 since January 1, 2020, and displacing almost 950,000 since December 1, 2019.

“Canada calls for an immediate ceasefire in the area and for all parties to respect basic human decency and ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting experienced humanitarian partners on the ground that are addressing humanitarian needs in Syria and the region.

“Canada also supports the UN Secretary-General’s recent call for a political solution to end the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding. Only a negotiated political solution can generate a sustainable, peaceful end to the Syrian conflict.”