August 19, 2011
World Humanitarian Day honours and recognizes the humanitarian aid workers, who brave dangerous and difficult conditions on a daily basis to help those in need. Their efforts are central to saving lives and helping those who are most vulnerable to natural disasters.
It is appropriate that today we reaffirm our commitment to a better life for all, particularly the most vulnerable living in developing countries around the world. Canada has historically responded generously to the humanitarian needs of victims of natural disasters, conflict and poverty. In these circumstances, the provision of basic needs such as food, water and health care require the united response of the international community, since those hardest hit are those least capable of withstanding their impact.
This year, the global community is working to help those in the Horn of Africa who are facing the greatest humanitarian crisis in a generation. Canada is doing its part to help reduce the famine and extreme malnutrition leading to high rates of mortality, particularly among children under the age of five.
I encourage all Canadians to demonstrate their compassion for those fighting for the survival and good health of their families by supporting the efforts of our Canadian humanitarian organizations.
The Government of Canada will always do its part as a member of the global family. Our collective efforts must also focus on addressing the causes of these humanitarian disasters through our international development work. Strengthening the resilience and capacity of individual communities and countries to withstand and combat the causes of basic humanitarian needs will benefit those living in poverty in developing countries over the longer term.
Beverley J. Oda
Minister of International Cooperation
