October 6, 2014 – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced in the House of Commons today that Canada will undertake renewed action, in coordination with our allies and partners, to respond to the heinous acts of sexual violence and other human rights abuses being committed by ISIL, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, against women and children.
“ISIL, a self-proclaimed terrorist caliphate, poses a major threat not only to the region, but also to us here in Canada,” said Baird. “Canada will not stand by as ISIL commits unspeakable atrocities and crimes against humanity, including the kidnapping, torture and rape of women and children. The systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of war demands an effective and timely response, which is why we are announcing today a number of additional measures that Canada will take to support the innocent victims of ISIL’s brutality and depravity.”
The measures announced today include:
- A contribution of up to $5 million to Justice Rapid Response and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to help respond to and investigate sexual violence and other serious human rights abuses.
- A $5-million contribution for the prevention of and response to sexual violence and related abuses, including increased access to services and treatment for Syrian and Iraqi refugees and displaced persons who have been victims of violence in ISIL-affected areas.
- Participation in a joint Canada-U.K. assessment mission in Iraq to identify initiatives that will help assist victims of ISIL’s crimes.
- Canada will support the deployment of a specialized expert on sexual violence to the Human Rights Council’s Fact-Finding Mission on Iraq.
Canada will also continue to provide leadership on the issue of sexual violence as a weapon of war by ensuring that the plight of victims and survivors of ISIL’s sexual violence, including crimes against religious minorities, remains at the top of the global agenda.
To view the full press release, click on the following link: http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/10/06a.aspx