The period to was a challenging time around the world. We witnessed the far-reaching effects of rising authoritarian regimes and democracies under threat, natural disasters made worse by climate change, a global refugee crisis, pandemic recovery and increasing economic insecurity, inequality and conflict. Amid geopolitical turbulence, unpredictability and uncertainty, GAC continued to champion the rules-based international system to advance democracy, human rights, multilateral trade and the rule of law.
GAC worked closely with G7, NATO and other allies to hold Russia to account by implementing sanctions, banning its imports and exports and countering its disinformation campaigns. Our strategy will also see more partnerships with Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as an evolving China policy framework. Since its launch, 71 countries from all continents, as well as the EU, have endorsed the declaration and are now speaking with one voice to affirm strong opposition to arbitrary arrest, detention and sentencing for political leverage.
The Trade Commissioner Service remained a trusted support system for Canadians wanting to grow their businesses worldwide and for the attraction of foreign direct investment.
We also helped to remove barriers and improve access to safe, inclusive, quality education and skills training for the most marginalized groups, including girls, children with disabilities and children and youths who are refugees or displaced. Canada also continued to be a leading financial contributor to accelerate the development and production of, and equitable access to, COVID tests, treatments and vaccines.
This past year saw humanitarian needs reach record highs as millions of people required life-saving assistance and millions more were forcibly displaced. These frequent international crises meant that providing consular and emergency management services to Canadians who are working, studying, travelling or living abroad was more critical than ever before. We saw nearly 87 million visits to Travel. In addition to the extensive consular services offered throughout our mission network, notable efforts were made in providing continued consular assistance to Canadians detained in northeastern Syria.
