Canada reiterates its commitment to people of Syria amid ongoing crisis

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

May 27, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

March 2024 marked 13 years of the Syrian crisis, and humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels. Over 16 million people, approximately 70% of the country’s population, urgently require assistance. Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye collectively host more than 6.8 million Syrian refugees.

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $55.4 million in humanitarian assistance funding, which brings Canada’s total commitment to $147.15 million in international assistance funding to Syria and neighbouring countries for 2024. Canada remains actively involved in supporting the region and is committed to working with international partners and the people of Syria to put an end to this crisis through a sustainable political solution.

Canada’s humanitarian assistance will be delivered in Syria and the region through experienced humanitarian partners and will help provide food; protection services, including the prevention, mitigation and response to gender-based violence; water, sanitation and hygiene services; and health services, including the provision of and right to access sexual and reproductive health care. Development assistance funding is allocated through existing projects in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon that benefit Syrian refugees living in these countries and strengthen these countries’ ability to welcome more Syrians who have been displaced.

Quotes

“The prolonged conflict in Syria has left millions of people requiring urgent assistance, a need further exacerbated by the devastating natural disasters that struck the region in February 2023. Canada stands in solidarity with the people of Syria and those in neighbouring countries affected by this ongoing crisis, and we will continue to work with international partners to address this dire humanitarian crisis.”

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

  • Of the $147.15 million in international assistance funding to Syria and neighbouring countries for 2024, $91.75 million has been previously announced. This includes $26.75 million in humanitarian assistance funding to Lebanon and $65 million in other development assistance funding in the region.

  • In 2023, Canada committed $179.5 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region.

  • Working through partners, including UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Canada ensures that the specific needs and priorities of vulnerable and marginalized individuals and groups are addressed.

  • Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $4.7 billion in funding for Syria and the region, including significant humanitarian, development and stabilization assistance.

  • On May 27, 2024, in Belgium, Canada participated in the eighth Brussels Conference 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.

  • The Brussels 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.

Associated links

Contacts

Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca

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