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In March of 2011, the people of Syria took to the streets, calling for an end to the repressive regime of Bashar Al Assad, and democratic change for Syria. There was a sense that the people were finally ready to assert their rights.
But the Assad regime responded to these peaceful demonstrations with violence. Many were killed.
Days after those first demonstrations, Canada urged the Government of Syria to respect the rights of its people.
As the situation in Syria deteriorated, Prime Minister Harper announced a set of targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime in May of 2011.
Canada’s was one of the earliest voices calling for international action to bring about the end of the Assad regime.
Canada would not simply “go along” or look elsewhere, when the Assad regime started killing Syrian men, women and children, in a despicable and desperate attempt to cling to power. The message: Canada stands with the Syrian people in their efforts to secure a brighter future.
Destruction in Syria continued as Assad violently responded to the people’s demands to step down. The suffering in Syria worsened, and Syrians began to flee in growing numbers.
By February 2012, there were 18,000 Syrian refugees registered by the UNHCR in neighbouring countries. Today that number has risen to one million. The number of internally displaced who had left their homes in fear for their lives was many times larger.
Canada maintained its diplomatic presence in Syria to continue its engagement with local actors, monitor developments and deliver tough messages to the Syrian authorities about the unacceptable treatment of their people. As the conflict escalated, Canada closed the Embassy in March 2012 while immediately announcing measures to increase assistance to the people of Syria, and to continue to support the democratic voices within the country
The nations of the world, who value freedom and democracy, have come together to support Syrians in their struggle to end the tyranny of the Assad regime. Canada will continue stand by their side and support their aspirations for a free and democratic Syria.