July 24, 1998 No. 179

CANADA TO ESTABLISH FUND FOR PILOT CULTURAL PROJECTS TO HELP CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Canada will establish a fund to raise awareness of childrens' rights in situations of armed conflict. This new fund is available for projects that establish international partnerships with the music, arts and entertainment industries and the media.

"This initiative is one small step, but one that can make a difference in the lives of children affected by conflict in their societies," said Mr. Axworthy. "Projects in the arts can give powerful expression to the experience of children in war and prove an effective instrument for change."

This announcement coincides with the "Symposium on The Artist and Human Rights" being held in Ottawa from July 23 to 25. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) is one of the co-hosts of the Symposium, which is exploring how artists around the world give voice to the voiceless.

When the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Olara A. Otunnu, visited Ottawa last April,

Mr. Axworthy pledged that Canada would support Mr. Otunnu's role as an advocate for raising awareness of children in armed conflict by promoting cultural activities at the international level.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade contribution is $200 000. Minister Axworthy will continue to seek partnerships with government departments, cultural agencies and non-governmental organizations by providing networking and information-sharing opportunities in cultural activities around this issue.

Canadian individuals and Canadian arts organizations and agencies are eligible to submit pilot project proposals, as are Canadian non-governmental organizations, universities, colleges, elementary and secondary schools, and other civil society groups.

Organizations are encouraged to establish partnerships with the private sector and/or government departments wherever possible.

The criteria to submit pilot project proposals are available on the Department's Internet site:http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/culture/children/menu-e.htm or by contacting the DFAIT Arts and Cultural Industries Promotion Division at (613) 992-1557.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 1998 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca