Statement on International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

April 24, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Multilateralism and diplomacy are essential to peace in our world. Over decades, Canada and its global partners have painstakingly built a global security system based on just a few key principles: the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes and the protection of human rights. Diplomacy is the glue that holds this remarkable system together.

“This system is now being put to the test. Russia’s attack on Ukraine is more than a direct threat to the lives, rights and freedoms of Ukrainians, it is a threat to the sovereign equality of all states and to the rules and institutions that facilitate global peace and security.

“In response, we must not only directly help Ukraine, we must ensure that our multilateral institutions are able to support justice and advance peace in our world. Russia’s invasion cannot succeed.

“The resounding condemnation of the Russian invasion at the UN General Assembly in March 2022 and the subsequent suspension of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council shows the world’s desire to choose peace over aggression. President Putin stands increasingly isolated.    

“Our message to those who choose force must be clear: diplomacy remains the only way to resolve disputes peacefully. Let that be our message on this and every day, as we continuously strive to make our multilateral institutions and diplomatic efforts more relevant and effective.”