Canada’s Joly wraps Ukraine visit with pledge for sexual violence supports
Global News
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly wrapped up a two-day visit to Ukraine on Thursday, where she met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials.
Canada is pledging millions of dollars to Ukrainian organizations working to support survivors of sexual violence from the Russian invasion, as well as rebuilding and de-mining efforts, as the one-year mark of Russia’s war on Ukraine nears.
The funding comes amid a renewed call for Ottawa to play a leading role in the pursuit of justice and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in relation to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly wrapped up a low-key two-day visit to Ukraine on Thursday, where she met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister, top prosecutor and other officials to discuss Canada’s military support and efforts to hold Russia accountable for alleged war crimes.
“Ukraine and Canada are more than friends, we are family. On this third visit to the country, we have borne witness not only to the devastation caused by (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin’s callous attacks on civilian infrastructure but also to the unrelenting strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people,” she said in a news release.
“Canada will continue to support them on the path toward peace and pursue accountability for the horrific crimes being committed across Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Joly’s office said in the release that Zelenskyy thanked Canada for recent donations of military equipment, including Leopard 2 battle tanks and a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. Joly also met with Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, to discuss the impact of the war on the women and children of Ukraine.
“They discussed the need to increase capacity within Ukraine to respond to cases of conflict-related sexual violence, to support survivors and to pursue accountability through Ukrainian and international courts for these heinous crimes,” her office said.
Joly then met with Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, to discuss the needs involved in reconstruction. Canada will help to help de-mine the streets, playgrounds and fields of Ukraine, Joly’s office said. She also visited the HALO Trust Fund to see Canadian workers train Ukrainian de-miners, and raise awareness in communities about how to avoid mines and other unexploded ordinances.
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