Canada is to support UN Commission of Inquiry on Burma

By Canadian Friends of Burma • September 3, 2010

Canadian Friends of Burma has learned that the Government of Canada is to support a UN Commission of Inquiry on Burma, according to a spokesperson to the Canadian Foreign Minister.

“Canada supports both the UN Special Rapporteur’s work on human rights abuses in Burma, and the idea of a UN Commission of Inquiry into human rights abuses by the Burmese regime,” said Ms. Catherine Loubier, a spokesperson, quoting Minister Lawrence Cannon. Watch a video statement by the Minister.

“We will work with our allies in the international community to develop a common approach to support the recommendations that the Rapporteur will present to an upcoming session of the UN General Assembly,” she added.

“We welcome this position from the Government of Canada,” said Tin Maung Htoo, executive director of Canadian Friends of Burma. “Canada is indeed responding to a mounting call from all corners – both domestic and international community – to support a UN Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations in Burma,” he added.

Recently, all three opposition parties: Liberals Party of Canada, New Democrat Party (NDP) and Bloc Quebecois – supported the call, urging the Conservative government to support it.

Moreover, 81 MPs and Senators also endorsed such call. And a number of Canadian civil society organizations including labor unions and Burmese dissident communities in Canada also requested the government t o support this call.

London-based Burma Campaign UK and Washington D.C-based US Campaign for Burma also requested the government to support the commission and mobilized their relevant constituencies for campaigns and rallies. “On behalf of Canadian Friends of Burma, I would like to thank all supporters across Canada and around the world to work together to make this happen,” said Tin Maung Htoo.

Media contact: 613-297-6835

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The Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) is federally incorporated, national non-governmental organization working for democracy and human rights in Burma. Contact: Suite 206, 145 Spruce St., Ottawa, K1R 6P1; Tel: 613.237.8056; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.cfob.org