Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on the situation in Iraq

August 15, 2014

WINNIPEG – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, made the following statement today on the persecution of Iraq’s minority groups:

“Earlier this week, I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Iraqi Christian community, including Fathers Youssef Habash, Thaer Abba, Niaz Toma, Dawoud Fera, and Matta Abosh.

“We discussed at length the targeted killings and persecution of Christians, Yazidis, and other ethno-religious minorities currently taking place in Iraq. I share their outrage at these abominable acts of hatred and violence.

“Iraqi minorities, many of whom have lived in these regions for more than 6000 years, have been forced from their homes. These innocent civilians have been subjected to brutal persecution by the ISIS, a violent terrorist organization. All efforts must be made by the international community, including the Government of Canada, to support the Iraqi government in its efforts to protect minority communities.

“The Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus condemns in the strongest possible terms the targeted killings and persecution of Iraqi Christians, Yazidis, and other minority groups. We support the UN Secretary General and Security Council’s call for continued international assistance for victims of this crisis. We also strongly encourage the federal government to facilitate the resettlement of Iraqi refugees here in Canada.”