Question Period Note: UN evidence of Rwandan backing rebels and Canada's child-soldier efforts
About
- Reference number:
- 00006-2023
- Date received:
- Mar 21, 2023
- Organization:
- Global Affairs Canada
- Name of Minister:
- Sajjan, Harjit S. (Hon.)
- Title of Minister:
- Minister of International Development
Issue/Question:
The Globe & Mail reported that Rwanda is supporting the M23 militia, which uses child soldiers. The article connected these allegations to funding Canada has provided to the Dallaire Institute.
Suggested Response:
• Since the launch of the Vancouver Principles in 2017, GAC has provided roughly 4.6 million towards the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security; the last project with the organization was completed in 2021, with new funding to the Institute to be determined.
Background:
The UN released a report on December 29th, 2022 that cited evidence of Rwandan support to M23. the report also provided evidence of the recruitment of children by the M23, which is borne out by the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) report covering up to May 2022. It also revealed deliberate and devastating human rights abuses by the M23.
Additional Information:
None