Canada condemns alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria

April 4, 2017- Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement concerning reports that chemical weapons were used in an attack in Syria:

“We are outraged by reports of a chemical weapons attack against civilians—particularly the senseless suffering and death of children—in southern Idlib, Syria. Not all the facts are yet available, but this deplorable incident is consistent with the actions of a regime that has brutally and repeatedly used chemical weapons against its own people.

“If confirmed, this new use of chemical weapons further weakens the credibility of the regime as a potential partner for peace.

“Tomorrow, I will participate in the Brussels conference on the future of Syria, to advocate for a lasting political resolution to the Syrian war. Now, more than ever, we must address the critical needs of millions of people across the region.”

Quick facts

• The Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) created by the UN 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 for the OPCW-UN JIM, which investigates the use of chemical weapons.

Associated links

• Canada concerned by conclusive findings of use of chemical weapons in Syria
• Canada contributes €2.5 million to support OPCW work in Syria
• Third Report of the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism
• UN General Assembly calls for action on Syria in Canada-led resolution

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