Canada Condemns Violence Against Christian and Muslim Communities in the Central African Republic

OTTAWA, Canada, December 5, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Following ongoing reports of violence in the Central African Republic, including a United Nations report today of an attack on civilians near the capital Bangui, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada is very concerned by the recent acts of violence in the Central African Republic (CAR). We call for an immediate end to the violence against civilian populations of all faiths and on humanitarian workers active in the country.

“Canada strongly condemns those fuelling tensions between communities that have lived in peace with one another in the past. Freedom of religion is a basic right for everyone and is a priority of the Government of Canada.

“We urge all parties in the CAR to refrain from all forms of violence, to facilitate free and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need, and to respect the basic human rights of all communities in the country.

“Central Africans deserve to live in peace without fear of persecution. We will continue to work closely with our international partners to follow the evolving security and humanitarian situation in the CAR. In 2013, Canada contributed more than $6.9 million in humanitarian assistance to help meet the urgent needs of those affected by this conflict.”