Minister Bibeau launches Myanmar Crisis Relief Fund
News Release
October 31, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Since August 25, 2017, the ongoing violence in Myanmar has resulted in the exodus of an additional 600,000 Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, where nearly 70% are women and children.
Canada responded quickly to the crisis and will also help Canadians and civil society organizations mobilize their own responses through the creation of the Myanmar Crisis Relief Fund.
Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced that for every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities between August 25 and November 28, 2017, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Fund.
This desperate situation is triggering a humanitarian crisis of such scale that concerted international action is required to meet increasing needs. Host communities in Bangladesh and displaced people in Myanmar are still in urgent need of basic necessities such as food assistance, water, sanitation services, health care, protection and shelter.
Through experienced and trusted partners, Canada will deliver gender-sensitive humanitarian assistance. We will also continue to address the specific needs of women and girls by prioritizing services to those who are most vulnerable, including pregnant and nursing women, single mothers and women-headed households. This includes sexual and reproductive health services as well as psychosocial counselling for the survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Quotes
“Bangladesh is now hosting the world’s biggest refugee camp where over 900 000 Rohingya and other minorities are fleeing the ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. I encourage all Canadians to donate to the organization of their choice. Your donation will save lives and will allow them to be treated with dignity until they can return home.”
- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
Quick Facts
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Thus far in 2017, Canada has committed over $25 million in humanitarian assistance funding in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
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The UN launched an appeal for over $434 million to respond to the crisis but is still well short of that goal. On October 23, 2017, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, named the Honourable Bob Rae as his Special Envoy to Myanmar.
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As Special Envoy, Mr. Rae will reinforce the urgent need to resolve the humanitarian and security crisis in Myanmar and to address the situation affecting vulnerable populations.
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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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