Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today announced two projects to be supported by the Religious Freedom Fund in Ukraine.

“Canada is proud of its long-standing support to the Ukrainian people in advancing freedom and democracy,” said Ambassador Bennett. “These projects aim to foster the development of a political culture in Ukraine that facilitates democratization, religious freedom and pluralism, which are ideals we share and will courageously defend and protect as the cornerstone of our enduring friendship.”

The Office of Religious Freedom is partnering with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe through its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to increase awareness of international standards on freedom of religion or belief, to prevent and respond to hate crimes, and to facilitate multi-community dialogue on FoRB issues.

The Office is also partnering with the Catholic Near East Welfare Association to educate and promote understanding among the many diverse ethnic and civil communities in different regions of Ukraine.

“It is essential that all Ukrainians, regardless of their church or faith, be allowed to contribute to Ukraine’s democratic development without fear of violence or consequence,” Ambassador Bennett added.

This funding follows the announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper earlier this year of $220.9 million in financial assistance to promote economic and social development in Ukraine.

The Religious Freedom Fund, which is managed by the Office of Religious Freedom at Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, aims to increase the capacity of organizations in various countries to directly address violations of freedom through a variety of activities, including awareness-building initiatives, legal and legislative training and support for the promotion of freedom of religion and pluralism.

src:news.gc.ca