The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement:
"Today, we stand with all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict to denounce this unconscionable conduct and demand that the perpetrators of these serious crimes be brought to justice.
"We pledge to keep doing everything we can to protect those who are most at risk, including women and girls, children, LGBTQ2 persons and all others belonging to marginalized, vulnerable and targeted groups.
"Addressing sexual and gender-based violence in conflict is a core element of Canada's feminist foreign policy and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Canada's recently appointed ambassador for Women, Peace and Security will recommend actions we can take to protect the rights of women facing insecurity and violence and promote their meaningful participation in our development, humanitarian, and peace and security efforts around the globe.
"Canada also supports the important work being done by Pramila Patten, Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. We congratulate her office as it celebrates 10 years of advancing gender equality and addressing the needs of survivors and victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
"There is no justification for ever subjecting anyone to abuse, in conflict or anywhere else. Today, we commend all survivors who so bravely tell their stories, and we draw inspiration from their courage as we work together to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence in conflict."
