Canada Funds Mission in Central African Republic to Restore Security and Protect Religious Freedom

OTTAWA, Canada, December 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that Canada will contribute $5 million to the UN-mandated trust fund to support the international mission led by the African Union in the Central African Republic (CAR).

“Canada's financial support will contribute to efforts by the African Union to restore security and protect all communities in the country.

“I remain deeply concerned by the dire security and humanitarian situation in the CAR. The civilian population is suffering, and I am particularly troubled by reports of people being targeted because of their religion.

“Canada welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2127, which mandates the African Union-led international support mission in the CAR (MISCA) to stabilize the country and protect its citizens. Canada also welcomes the French military intervention in support of MISCA.

“We have already contributed over $6.9 million this year to help meet the urgent humanitarian needs of those affected by this conflict and will continue to assess how our contribution can best support the work of humanitarian partners.”