(2008-06) News Release
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Gatineau, Qc – The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation and the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will provide up to $6 million to humanitarian organizations that help those affected by the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Chad.
"The Government of Canada is continuously monitoring the humanitarian situations in Sudan and Chad," said Minister Oda. "The support to humanitarian organizations we are providing will help meet the basic needs of populations affected by ongoing conflicts. Canada stands ready to react quickly in the face of humanitarian emergencies-when lives are threatened and time counts."
Minister Bernier commended today's announcement, saying, "Canada remains concerned by the ongoing violence in Sudan and Chad and its destabilizing effect on the region, and we call for dialogue leading to peace. We also call on all actors to recognize their obligations in ensuring the protection of civilians and providing safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers who are assisting those in need."
Canada will provide funds to the following humanitarian organizations:
- $3.25 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for operations to assist and protect internally displaced persons in Chad and Chadian refugees in the region. The funding will also facilitate the voluntary return of Sudanese refugees to southern Sudan, and will meet the basic needs of internally displaced persons and Sudanese refugees in Darfur and Chad.
- $1.5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (ICRC) for operations to assist internally displaced persons and refugees in both Sudan and Chad. This money will aid the provision of water and sanitation services, emergency health care, food, shelter and protection.
- Over $400,000 to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to coordinate emergency services across Sudan.
- $500,000 to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for operations that will provide medical assistance and other humanitarian services to internally displaced persons in Eastern Chad.
- The remaining $350,000 in aid for humanitarian efforts will be allocated in the coming days to help international humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations to meet the urgent needs of the people affected by the crisis in Chad.
As Canada's lead agency for development and humanitarian assistance, the Canadian International Development Agency ensures that Canada's response to crises and disasters is timely and appropriate. Since 2006, CIDA has provided more than $102 million in humanitarian assistance to Sudan, representing Canada's largest humanitarian commitment to any country. Today's announcement builds on the recent contribution to the World Food Programme that included $44.7 million to provide food aid for internally displaced persons, refugees, and returnees in Sudan and Chad-confirming Canada's commitment to double its aid to Africa by 2008-09.
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Information:
Joanna Bailey
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: (819) 953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: (819) 953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
