OTTAWA, Canada, February 10, 2014 – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:

“Canada strongly condemns the upsurge of violence in the Central African Republic that reportedly claimed the lives of 75 people in the town of Boda during sectarian clashes that took place in the week of January 27. Canada also condemns the brutal February 5 lynching of an onlooker at the end of the official ceremony marking the reinstatement of the country’s armed forces.

“Canada condemns these reprehensible acts and calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice quickly.

“While the international community is rallying to improve the humanitarian situation and security in the Central African Republic, Canada urges all the parties involved in this conflict to exercise restraint to end the cycle of violence undermining the country. The people of the Central African Republic, anxious to rebuild their country, will be able to do so only in a context of peace and security.”

In 2013, Canada contributed $6.95 million to address the urgent needs of people affected by the conflict in the Central African Republic. Through international and Canadian humanitarian organizations and other partners, Canada has provided clean water, food, basic health care and protection to those most affected by this crisis.

On Wednesday, February 12, the House of Commons will hold a take-note debate on the situation in the Central African Republic.