Canada reaffirms support for people of Syria
News release
June 15, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Syrian crisis continues to affect millions of people in Syria and neighbouring countries. Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, as well as Egypt and Türkiye, now host more than 6.8 million Syrian refugees. Canada continues to actively engage in the region and is committed to continuing its work with the international community and with Syrians to put an end to this crisis through a sustainable political solution.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced $148.59 million in funding for humanitarian and development assistance to Syria and the region in 2023.
Of this amount, $78.59 million in humanitarian assistance funding will help crisis-affected people meet their basic needs. This includes the provision of food assistance, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene services and health services—including sexual and reproductive health and rights—as well as response to and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.
As well this year, Canada will allocate another $70 million to the region, solidifying our steadfast and ongoing efforts to support development assistance in the region. This funding aims to deliver transformative change that will better empower women and girls, further advance gender equality, and better integrate effective and accountable governance. By continuing to improve the sustainability of gender-responsive social services—including education—Canada’s support will also help foster long-term economic growth and contribute to more impactful climate action.
Quotes
“Years of conflict in Syria have left millions of people in need of urgent assistance, which has been amplified by the devastating natural disasters that hit the region last February. Canada is and will continue to be a strong partner to people facing this crisis, working with its international partners to end this terrible humanitarian disaster.”
- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Quick facts
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In 2023, Canada has committed $178.29 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region. Today’s announcement builds on the $99.7 million in humanitarian assistance funding announced earlier in the year following the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
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Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $4.7 billion in funding for the region, including significant humanitarian, development and stabilization assistance.
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On June 14 and 15, 2023, Canada participated in the seventh conference in Brussels, Belgium, on supporting the future of Syria and the region. The conference focused on addressing the critical needs of millions of people across the region and supporting a lasting political resolution to the Syrian conflict.
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The conference reaffirmed the international community’s solidarity with countries and communities hosting Syrian refugees and acknowledged the challenges refugees are facing, paying particular attention to those faced by Syrian women.
Related products
Associated links
- VII Brussels Conference - Supporting the future of Syria and the region
- Canada announces further support for security, peace and stability initiatives in Middle East, Africa and Central Asia
- Canada’s response to the conflict in Syria
- Canada’s response to the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
- Canada’s Middle East engagement strategy
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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