Minister Bibeau announces projects to support people of South Sudan

News Release

June 19, 2017 - Juba, South Sudan - Global Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the devastating humanitarian situation in South Sudan where ongoing and escalating conflict is ravaging the country.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today concludes a four-day visit to South Sudan, where she witnessed first-hand the extreme suffering of the South Sudanese people, the result of the severe food crisis affecting nearly half the country’s population and the ongoing conflict.

Minister Bibeau met with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Riek Gai Kok, Minister of Health, to discuss the conflict and its devastating impact on civilians, most notably women and children. The Minister also visited Jonglei region, where she observed the World Food Programme’s humanitarian relief operations and spoke with local civilians, especially women, affected by the crisis.

In response to the food crisis in South Sudan (and similar situations in Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen), the Government of Canada created the Famine Relief Fund. Until June 30, 2017, Canada will contribute one dollar aside into the Fund for every eligible dollar donated to registered Canadian charities that are raising funds to fight the famine.

During her trip, Minister Bibeau announced $86 million in funding for four development projects that will respond to the basic needs of vulnerable South Sudanese people. Canada’s investment will help improve access to basic health services, including family planning and reproductive health care for women and girls. It will also help to protect livelihoods and increase access to food for vulnerable communities, as well as improve the capacity of organizations to operate in South Sudan’s highly challenging environment.

Canada is also working in conflict-affected communities of South Sudan to help end violence, mediate disputes and lay the foundation for sustainable peace. By promoting cooperation and dialogue between communities, Canada is helping reduce violence and increase stability, thereby allowing development investments to take root.

Quotes

“Only the silencing of weapons can alleviate the humanitarian crisis that is now affecting close to half of South Sudan’s population. We need to work toward peace and pave the way for a conflict-free South Sudan. Canada will continue to deliver life-saving assistance, support stabilization and help South Sudanese meet their basic needs through long-term development.”

- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

Quick Facts

  • The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has caused massive displacement, extensive violence along ethnic lines, dire food shortages and unimaginable levels of suffering among South Sudanese people—particularly women and children.

  • Over 5.5 million people face severe food insecurity, with an estimated 100,000 of them facing famine.

  • Canada is working in close coordination with South Sudanese partners, the international community and regional stakeholders to advance the peace process.

  • In March 2017, Canada announced $36.9 million in humanitarian assistance to South Sudan.

  • In the 2015 to 2016 fiscal year, Canada’s international development assistance to South Sudan totalled over $91 million.

  • The Famine Relief Fund will support the efforts of Canadian, international and local humanitarian organizations to provide food, clean drinking water, sanitation services, emergency shelters and other essential services.

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Contacts

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
marie-emmanuelle.cadieux@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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