Canada provides additional humanitarian assistance funding in response to Nagorno-Karabakh crisis
News release
October 25, 2023 - Yerevan, Armenia - Global Affairs Canada
Canada is deeply concerned by the refugee crisis in Armenia as more than a hundred thousand individuals have fled from Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced that Canada is bringing its total response to the crisis to $3.9 million for humanitarian assistance funding. Minister Joly made the announcement during her visit to Armenia from October 25 to 27.
This includes an additional $1 million of funding allocated to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for life-saving assistance, such as protection services, shelter and other non-food items.
Canada continues to call for the unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Civilians, including those on the move, must also be shielded from harm.
In addition, Canada will continue to work with its partners to mitigate the impacts on the civilians from the recent military operation of Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh, who have already been affected by months of blockade, and to find a sustainable, negotiated settlement in this conflict.
Canada continues to support a negotiated political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as well as the continuation of dialogue between the parties towards promoting confidence-building measures. Canada promotes the principles of the non-use of force, territorial integrity and self-determination in resolving the conflict.
Quotes
“Canada is grateful to Armenia for welcoming those fleeing this crisis. Host communities have generously opened their doors, but they alone cannot support this large influx of people seeking refuge. With this humanitarian support, Canada is helping address some of the most urgent needs.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Many people who have fled to Armenia are vulnerable, and with such a high volume of arrivals, the country is struggling to help the displaced populations. The funding announced today will go toward meeting the rising humanitarian needs and take some of the pressure off host communities.”
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
Quick facts
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Today’s announcement is in addition to funding provided by Canada to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross Society’s Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund, which has provided support to the relief operation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Armenia. The Armenian Red Cross Society will use the funds to provide water, sanitation and hygiene services, shelter assistance and health services.
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Canada has also provided funding to World Vision Canada through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund. This funding will be used for the provision of gender-based hygiene kits, cash assistance, psychosocial support and protection assistance.
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The funding announced today is complemented by the allocation of US $4 million by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, to which Canada is a donor.
Associated links
Contacts
Isabella Orozco-Madison
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Isabella.Orozco-Madison@international.gc.ca
Alex Tétreault
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development
Alex.Tetreault@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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