One year ago, in the early morning of January 8, 2020, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was downed by two Iranian military surface-to-air missiles near Tehran.
Yesterday, in honor of the memory of those who perished, the International Coordination and Response Group for the victims offered their sincere condolences to all who mourn the victims of the PS752 tragedy.
“We share the grief of the families, relatives, and friends who lost loved ones.
“We urgently call on Iran to provide a complete and thorough explanation of the events and decisions that led to this appalling plane crash.
“Our countries will hold Iran to account to deliver justice and make sure Iran makes full reparations to the families of the victims and affected countries.” They wrote.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today issued the following statement:
“A year ago, on January 8, 2020, the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 claimed the lives of 176 people, including 55 Canadian citizens, 30 permanent residents, and numerous others with ties to Canada.
“On this date, we gather, mourn and reaffirm our determination to help the families of the victims get the answers they deserve.
“Canada’s priority since the downing of PS752 has always been to provide families and loved ones with the support they need. We continue to work with other impacted countries to hold Iran to account and seek transparency and justice for the victims of this tragedy and their families.
“No one should have to go through the torment these families have faced. That is why Canada is working with its international partners through the Safer Skies Initiative to protect civilian air passengers from the dangers of travelling through and near conflict zones.
“The Government of Canada will continue to stand alongside the families and relatives of the victims who lost their lives during the senseless tragedy of Flight PS752.”
The tragic incident that happened on January 8, 2020, when Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down minutes after taking off left fifty-five Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents were killed. They were among the 176 people killed in this national tragedy.
On December 15, 2020, Mr. Goodale released the report that examines what happened to PS752 and provides a summary of the Government of Canada’s response, a chronology of events, and recommendations on best practices.
Canada continues to work with international partners to ensure a thorough and credible investigation into this tragedy and hold Iran accountable for its violations of international law. International Coordination and Response Group to support families of victims of PS752 were formed by Afghanistan, Canada, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom to ensure a full and transparent investigation into the causes of the fatal crash and coordinate legal efforts to pursue accountability and reparations from Iran so that families and loved ones may get the answers they deserve.