August 17, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario―The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced further details of Canada's support to the more than 12 million people in East Africa affected by the worst drought and famine in more than a generation.
"Canada is deeply concerned by the growing impact of the drought and famine. As I saw on my recent visit to the region, the international community is working to meet the challenges of severe hunger and malnutrition and rapidly growing numbers of refugees," said Minister Oda. "Canada will support those humanitarian efforts delivering aid directly to those most in need and commends all those who are working on this very important and life-saving mission. I encourage all Canadians to remember their commitment, as well as the courage and tenacity of those who are facing the horror of starvation and extreme malnutrition, when donating to the relief effort."
The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Canadians through the East Africa Drought Relief Fund. Through this relief fund, the Government of Canada will match the generosity of Canadians. For every dollar an individual Canadian donates over a 10-week period (retroactive to July 6, 2011 and ending September 16, 2011) to a registered Canadian charity responding to the drought in East Africa, the government will contribute an equivalent amount to the relief fund. The Government of Canada will administer the relief fund separately, disbursing sums to organizations best suited to make an effective and real difference in the lives of people affected by the drought.
As well, through CIDA, Canada has increased its financial contribution by $50 million. This pledge follows the $22.35 million provided by CIDA earlier this year for humanitarian assistance in the region, bringing Canada's total support to $72.35 million, in addition to the relief fund.
"Canadian and other international commitments will only deliver results in the lives of those affected by the drought and famine if our commitments can get to those who need help," said Parliamentary Secretary Lois Brown. "We call on everyone in the region to allow vital humanitarian assistance to reach those who need it," said Senator Andrée Champagne.
Canada is working with experienced partners in the region to ensure Canadian aid delivers results. These organizations provide emergency assistance, including addressing acute malnutrition among young children, and pregnant and lactating women.
Canada's support will help to provide access to food, safe drinking water, proper sanitation and hygiene, as well as emergency health care, including disease control.
The Government of Canada is supporting the World Food Programme (WFP) in its effort to provide food assistance for an estimated 11.5 million drought-affected people in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. Canada's contribution of $25.5 million to WFP for food assistance is supporting both general food distribution in these three countries and targeted efforts to meet the food needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
CIDA's contribution of an additional $24.5 million for a range of interventions will help the United Nations and non-governmental organizations working in the region to meet emergency needs of the approximately 12.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Canada is also providing assistance through other UN agencies and various non-governmental organizations to provide nutrition, water and sanitation, and other non-food aid throughout the affected region. These organizations include the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Action Contre la Faim, CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Plan Canada, UNICEF, World Vision Canada and the United Nations Department of Safety and Security.
For more information on Canada's response to the East Africa drought and for further details on the East Africa Drought Relief Fund, please visit CIDA's web page on the humanitarian crisis in East Africa.
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Information:
Justin Broekema
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: justin.broekema@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
