June 8, 2005 (4:00 p.m.EDT)
No. 104

MINISTER PETTIGREW CONDEMNS FORCED EVICTIONS IN ZIMBABWE

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement condemning the destruction of residential dwellings and business premises by the Government of Zimbabwe:

“Canadians are dismayed by the Government of Zimbabwe’s disregard for the most basic rights and dignity of the Zimbabwean people. Rather than undertaking measures to implement good governance and respect for democracy that would return the country to economic stability and growth, the government has turned on the poorest and most vulnerable of its people, destroying their homes and their means of livelihood.

“Canada urges the Government of Zimbabwe, as well as local and international non-governmental organizations, to assist those already adversely affected. Officials from the Canadian International Development Agency are in contact with humanitarian aid agencies to assess the needs of those who have been evicted. Forced eviction constitutes a gross violation of human rights and contravenes recognized international norms to which the Government of Zimbabwe has subscribed.

“Thousands have been made homeless and many more have been deprived of their family income as a result of police actions in recent weeks. The Government of Zimbabwe must discontinue the ‘cleanup’ campaign and put in place adequate measures to ensure alternative housing and employment.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca