Canada announces funding in continuing response to humanitarian crisis in Yemen

News release

February 27, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The protracted conflict in Yemen has had a devastating impact on millions of people in the country. Canada is committed to ensuring that emergency relief quickly reaches those most affected by one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.

Today, at the High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Situation in Yemen, which was convened by the UN, Sweden and Switzerland, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced $46 million in funding from Canada in 2023 as part of its continued response to the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected people in Yemen.

This new funding will be provided to UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations. With Canada’s support, its humanitarian partners will provide life-saving food and nutrition, health care, clean water and sanitation. In line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada’s humanitarian assistance will also focus on the urgent needs of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

During the event, Minister Sajjan underscored Canada’s deep concern for the deteriorating food-security situation in Yemen and advocated for unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Quotes

“In 2023, approximately two thirds of the Yemeni population will need humanitarian assistance. Not only are the Yemeni people living with the effects of long-standing conflict, they are also at the forefront of the climate crisis and are experiencing multiple natural disasters. Today’s funding will help meet urgent, immediate needs, but the people of Yemen deserve long-lasting peace. Canada will continue to strongly support all efforts to achieve this.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

Quick facts

  • Since the start of the conflict in 2015, Canada has committed over $411 million in humanitarian funding to partners working in Yemen to support food assistance, clean water and sanitation, shelter, protection and health care, including sexual and reproductive health services. This amount includes the funding announced today.

  • In addition to providing funding for humanitarian assistance, Canada has invested in peace and stability in Yemen. Since December 2018, Canada has provided over $15 million in peace and security assistance to support the UN-led peace process in Yemen.

Associated links

Contacts

Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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