Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to attend international meeting on religious freedom

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

July 17, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada is committed to protecting freedom of religion or belief around the world. Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will visit Washington, D.C, to represent Canada at the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom on July 17 and 18, 2019.

This meeting is an opportunity for Canada to work with its partners to identify concrete ways to combat religious persecution and discrimination and to ensure greater respect for freedom of religion or belief around the world.

The Parliamentary Secretary will also participate in a meeting with the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, which Canada established in 2015 to encourage and deepen multilateral coordination on this critical issue.

Quotes

“A fundamental right of all Canadians is freedom of religion or belief. No one should be targeted or persecuted for their beliefs. We will continue to work with governments, civil society and religious leaders to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief around the world.”

- Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • The 2019 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom is hosted by the United States. The first ministerial took place in 2018.

  • A broad range of stakeholders—including senior government representatives, international organization representatives, religious leaders and civil society activists—will be attending this gathering. Approximately 1,000 civil society and religious community representatives are expected to participate this year.

  • The International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief was established by Canada in June 2015 to encourage and deepen coordination between countries committed to advancing religious freedom for all.

  • The contact group is co-chaired by Canada and the United States, and brings together a diverse group of nearly 30 countries and international organizations committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief.

Associated links

Contacts

Adam Austen            
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs 
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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