Statement from Minister Paradis on the Attack on UNICEF Workers in Somalia

OTTAWA, Canada, April 21, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- We are saddened to hear of the brutal attack that killed four and wounded four UNICEF employees, as well as several other people, in Somalia earlier today when their vehicle was destroyed by an explosive device. Canada condemns this wanton disregard for the lives of humanitarian and development workers who put themselves at risk to help those in need.

Our hearts go out to the families and colleagues of all of the victims, and we hope for a swift recovery for the injured. The loss of a single humanitarian worker is unacceptable. I am appalled that those whose mission it is to help others are so often deliberately targeted. Canada will continue to strongly condemn these acts of violence against innocent civilians.

I offer my condolences to the UNICEF family. Canada will remain a strong and steadfast supporter of UNICEF's important work and its global mandate to provide assistance to children around the world.

Christian Paradis

Minister of International Development and La Francophonie