Statement from Minister Joly and Minister Hussen on the situation in Syria

March 12, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development issued the following statement:

“Canada expresses its deep concern about the egregious violence that is occurring in Syria over the past few days in the Tartus, Latakia and Homs provinces.

“We utterly condemn these atrocities and call on the interim authorities to take all necessary measures to end the violence. Civilians must be protected, the dignity and human rights of all religious and ethnic groups must be upheld, and perpetrators must be held accountable.

“Canada welcomes the agreement reached on March 10 between the interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This is a potential step toward greater stability and improved conditions for Syrians. However, meaningful implementation will be key to ensuring lasting progress. 

“We remain committed to ensuring that vital humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Minister Hussen announced $84 million in new funding for humanitarian assistance to respond to the crisis in Syria. This funding will support experienced humanitarian partners to deliver life-saving assistance, including food, protection services, water, sanitation and hygiene services, and health services. This brings Canada’s total humanitarian assistance to the Syria crisis this year to more than $100 million.

“To facilitate the delivery of assistance by the Government of Canada and other partners into Syria, Canada has issued a general permit under to the Special Economic Measures Permit Authorization Order that temporarily allows any person in Canada, as well as Canadians outside Canada, to carry out a specific set of activities and transactions in support of democratization, stabilization and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to and within Syria that are otherwise prohibited under the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations (the “Syria Regulations”). Canada will be easing sanctions to allow funds to be sent through certain banks in the country, such as Syria’s Central Bank. These sanctions had been used as a tool against the Assad regime and easing them will help to enable the stable and sustainable delivery of aid, support local redevelopment efforts, and contribute to a swift recovery for Syria.

“Canada’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, has been nominated to serve concurrently as non-resident Ambassador to Syria. Restoring Canada’s diplomatic presence in Syria will help promote engagement with regional and international actors – including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other diplomatic missions – to support peace and political stabilization in the country and beyond.

“Canada reaffirms its commitment to support a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political transition that reflects the country’s ethnic and religious diversity. We call on all parties to prioritize the work toward de-escalation and national reconciliation and prevent the country from descending into fragmentation and violence.” 

Quote

“I’ve spent the last several weeks engaging with our partners, members of civil society, regional experts, and Syrian Canadians. This is a critical and delicate moment for Syria and Syrians. Canada can play a meaningful role in enabling Syrians to build an inclusive country that respects all of its citizens. We also can help prevent Syria from falling into chaos and instability. Today’s announcement is a response to the needs of Syrians and Syrian civil society. I am optimistic about Syrians’ ability to chart a bright future for all Syrians. 

- Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria 

Related products

• Backgrounder: Canada announces measures to support the people of Syria and build a more peaceful future for the region