(Calgary) Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says Canada is committed to seeking justice for Ukrainian women and children as allegations of sexual violence by Russian soldiers mount.
Posted at 5:02 p.m.
Speaking in Calgary, Mr.me Freeland said rape is used as a weapon of war and that Canada will work with its Democratic allies to prosecute those responsible.
She also said that it was appropriate to declare the Russian occupation a genocide since thousands of Ukrainians were killed and brutalized.
Mme Freeland, who is also finance minister, said she spoke with her Ukrainian counterpart to express Canada’s support.
She said the Russian occupation signaled a fight between democracy and dictatorship and that it was in Canada’s interest to support Ukraine.
Up to 150 members of the Canadian Armed Forces are deployed from Ontario to help support, coordinate and resettle Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
“I want to take a moment to point out that one of the things that is happening is the systematic rape of Ukrainian women and children,” said Mr.me Freeland Thursday.
“Rape is being used as a weapon in this war and I want Ukrainian women to know that we are aware of that. We will not forget,” she added.
With information from The Associated Press