The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today announced that she will lead a high-level Canadian delegation to the 25th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva from March 3 to 4, 2014.

During this time, she will highlight Canada’s human rights priorities, including the human rights situation in countries such as North Korea and Syria, freedom of religion and ending child, early and forced marriage.

“Canada is deeply concerned about child, early and forced marriage, which puts the lives of young girls at risk, denies them their right to education, severely jeopardizes their health and diminishes their future opportunities,” said Minister Yelich.

Minister Yelich will deliver Canada’s statement to the council. On the margins, she will meet with civil society members to discuss women’s economic empowerment and political participation.

Minister Yelich will also co-host a reception at the launch of the United Nations Population Fund photo exhibit, entitled Too Young to Wed, that addresses the issue of child, early and forced marriage.

“The exhibit, which was launched in May 2013, speaks volumes about the struggles of young girls who have suffered because they were forced to marry,” said the Minister. “Ending child, early and forced marriage means a brighter future for millions of girls and for their communities.”

Finally, Minister Yelich will take part in high-level discussions on the humanitarian situation in Syria and attend the conference on nuclear disarmament.

src:news.gc.ca