Statement by Minister Joly on protests in Iran

September 23, 2022- Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the events unfolding in Iran:

“Canada strongly condemns the reprehensible detention and killing of Mahsa Amini. Her death was a direct result of the systemic and continued harassment and repression of women by Iran. We stand in solidarity with Mahsa Amini’s loved ones and the Iranian women.

“We further condemn the violent crackdowns on civilians, which have caused additional deaths and injuries, in blatant violation of their human rights.

“Canada is gravely concerned by potential further crackdowns and the use of additional force against civilians. We call on Iran to stop escalating tensions and to refrain from committing further acts of violence against its own population. We urge Iran to meaningfully address the grievances of all of its citizens without discrimination and to protect their right to peaceful protest.

“Women’s rights are human rights. We salute the courage of the Iranian women who are peacefully protesting and we join them in sending the regime a very clear message: they must end all forms of persecution and violence against women.”