Statement by Minister Paradis: Canada supports UN Security Council statement and calls for immediate humanitarian access to Syria

Speech

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**October 3, 2013**

International Development Minister Christian Paradis today issued the following statement: "Canada supports the United Nations Security Council's presidential statement, issued yesterday, which urges Syria to grant immediate access to humanitarian agencies seeking to deliver lifesaving assistance to those affected by the ongoing crisis.

"The situation inside Syria has steadily deteriorated over the past year, bringing ever-worsening consequences for its people and communities. Canada calls on the Assad regime to take immediate steps to facilitate the expansion of humanitarian relief operations and lift bureaucratic impediments and other obstacles.

"The situation in Syria is one of the biggest humanitarian crises of the century. With millions of people in need, it is imperative that all actors allow humanitarian agencies free, safe, and unhindered access. It is equally important that humanitarian actors are not targeted in the delivery of relief assistance, and that medical and humanitarian personnel, facilities, and transport be respected and protected.

"More than 100,000 Syrians have died as a result of this conflict, and that number will certainly increase if humanitarian actors cannot deliver assistance to those in need. As Canada has said since the beginning, a political solution is the only way to end this crisis."

**Christian Paradis**

Minister of International Development