May 12, 2005 - CJC comments Canadian government for Darfur commitments
For immediate release
TORONTO - Canadian Jewish Congress commended the Canadian government for following through on its commitment to help end the suffering in the Darfur region of Sudan by offering increased financial assistance and enhanced diplomatic support for the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS).
Prime Minister Paul Martin announced earlier today a pledge of up to $198 million for more humanitarian aid and increased support for AMIS, as well as the creation of an advisory team to coordinate and promote Canadian initiatives on the ground in Darfur.
“For almost 18 months, CJC has been working with coalition partners, concerned parliamentarians and government officials to encourage Canada to lead the international community effort to help end the human rights violations that have left nearly 2 million people displaced from their homes and nearly 500,000 dead,” said Mark Weintraub, Chair of CJC’s National Darfur Committee.
“We are gratified that our efforts to mobilize public awareness of this tragic crisis have helped result in government action,” he added.
“On behalf of the Canadian Jewish community, we are working to ensure that the words ‘never again’ are translated into concrete Canadian action. We encourage Canada to intervene with substantial peacekeeping forces in order to play an active role in stopping the carnage,” said CJC National President Ed Morgan.
“While it is too late for those who have perished or have been displaced, we remain committed to supporting Canada’s efforts to help end the horrors that have virtually decimated the people of Darfur,” he noted.
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Contact:
Wendy Lampert
National Communications Director
Canadian Jewish Congress
416-631-5844
wlampert@on.cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca
http://www.cjc.ca/template.php?action=news&story=708
