June 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded his visit to Paraguay, where he led Canada’s delegation to the 54th regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) from June 26 to 28, 2024.

During the General Assembly, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant delivered a statement on behalf of Canada, where he highlighted the importance of working with other member states to strengthen democratic institutions and regional security. He also reiterated that gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls are central to Canada’s engagement in the Americas and emphasized Canada’s continued focus on the situations in Haiti and Nicaragua.

While in Paraguay, the Parliamentary Secretary also engaged with government officials, civil society organizations and regional partners on Canada’s commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law and the protection and promotion of human rights, including diversity, the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals and Indigenous peoples.

Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant announced, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, a total of $6.3 million in project funding to support the peacebuilding process in Colombia through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program. This funding encompasses three projects aimed at fostering sustainable peace and justice in Colombia: the United Nations Multi-partner Trust Fund for Sustainable Peace in Colombia, which facilitates the implementation of the Peace Accord; the Justice, Gender and Peacebuilding project in Colombia, which enhances citizen participation and justice for marginalized groups; and the Organization of American States’ Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia, which assists in observing and supporting broader peacebuilding efforts.