Karygiannis urges Harper government to act immediately in Darfur
OTTAWA – The Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt, called on the Harper government to respond immediately, in conjunction with the United Nations, to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan.
“The Harper government’s response to the crisis in Darfur is dismal,” said Mr. Karygiannis. “People are being slaughtered. Women and young girls are being raped. Refugees are dying of starvation. Where is the Canadian government? Why has it not pressured the United Nations to implement sanctions against Sudan?”
Mr. Karygiannis also challenged the Minister responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to discuss with the Sudanese, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Somali and Somaliland Canadian Diaspora ways in which they can be involved in restoring peace to the region.
“The
government cannot stand by and watch the horror in Darfur continue to
unfold. The Diaspora has knowledge of the language and culture of the Horn
of Africa. I believe it is
the Harper government’s responsibility to provide the Diaspora, through
CIDA, with the mechanisms that will provide food, clean water and shelter
and bring about peace. In the
future, the government should work with the Diaspora to help foster
sustainable development and encourage capacity building.” Mr.
Karygiannis further stated.
Mr. Karygiannis has spoken with community members who are anxious that Canada take firm action as a respected member of the international community. To do any less, they say, is unconscionable.
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