Canadian embassy expresses concern over fighting and displacement on International Day of Peace

Narinjara News, 22 September 2020

The Canadian Embassy in Yangon has said in a statement on Monday that it was "deeply concerned" about the ongoing fighting, casualties and civilian displacement occurring across Rakhine, Chin and other States taking place today on the International Day of Peace.

“On 23 March, the UN Secretary General called for armed groups across the world to implement a global ceasefire. Canada echoed these calls in Myanmar.

Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing fighting, casualties and civilian displacement occurring in Rakhine, Chin and other States. The focus of all countries across the world must now be on protecting the most vulnerable communities from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Conflict impedes humanitarian response and prevents assistance to those women, children, disabled, marginalised and displaced who are already the most vulnerable groups during a conflict. Humanitarian access to the conflict areas is vital.

Today, on International Day of Peace, we are reminded of the devastating cost of conflict to lives, families, to livelihoods, to our communities, and to our very hopes and aspirations, for a better future for us all. We reiterate this call for a cessation of conflict in Myanmar and a return to political dialogue to resolve grievances and end conflict in support of a safe, secure, democratic, inclusive and peaceful Myanmar for all those who live here”.