April 1, 2013
Amman, Jordan — Canada's International Cooperation Minister Julian Fantino today announced where Canadian funding would be targeted as a follow up to his annoncement at the International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, held in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on January 30, 2013. The announcement was made while Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird was visiting the Middle East, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Cyprus and Israel.
"The humanitarian situation is worsening, the situation on the ground is catastrophic, and Canada is paying what we pledged," said Minister Fantino. "Canada remains committed to saving lives and addressing the most critical needs of those affected by the Syrian crisis, and we ask that all countries deliver on their commitments during this difficult time."
Since early 2011, millions of people have been affected by the violence in Syria, with many fleeing the country due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation. There are currently more than 1.2 million Syrian refugees in the neighbouring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. Recent reports estimate that 70,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict, with thousands more wounded. It is estimated that more than 4 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria.
"Given the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation, many Syrians have chosen to seek refuge in neighbouring countries," said Minister Fantino. "We know that every day thousands of Syrians cross the border, and we want to thank those countries, such as Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt that have opened their doors to host these vulnerable people who have left their homes."
Canada's support will help provide emergency needs, including food, water, shelter, and protection activities, for people inside Syria as well as those who have fled to neighbouring countries.
Canada will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further assistance if required. For more information on Canada's humanitarian assistance in response to the crisis in Syria, please visit CIDA's website.
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For more information, media should contact:
Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CIDA_CA
On January 30, 2013, during his participation at the High-Level International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, in Kuwait City, Minister Fantino announced additional Canadian assistance in response to the humanitarian needs of people affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. Canada will support the following humanitarian organizations to continue to provide much needed humanitarian assistance in this rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis:
The High Commissioner for Refugees to support up to 1.1 million people taking refuge in neighbouring countries. ($8.65 million)
- Egypt ($180,000)
- Iraq ($600,000)
- Jordan ($4 million)
- Lebanon ($1,87 million)
- Turkey ($2 million)
The World Food Programme to help feed up to 750,000 Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries ($4 million)
- Egypt ($120,000)
- Iraq ($440,000)
- Jordan ($1,45 million)
- Turkey ($680,000)
* These country-specific figures are estimates and may change based on need.
Through support from donors like Canada, these organizations will work to ensure that:
- In Egypt: up to 30,000 people will receive food vouchers and 15,000 vulnerable people will receive rent subsidies.
- In Iraq: sanitation systems, including showers and toilets, will be built for the Al Qa'im camp (5,000 refugees) and the Domiz camp (5,000 refugees);
- In Jordan: Up to 300,000 people, of which 78% are women, children or the elderly, will be provided with dry food or food vouchers as well as sexual and gender-based violence and child protection services
.
- In Lebanon: Approximately 60% of all Syrian school-age children will receive school packages and up to 120,000 of the most vulnerable refugees will receive cash assistance.
- In Turkey: Stockpiles of emergency shelter items, such as tents and blankets, will be set up for up to 380,000 people, and food vouchers will reach 100,000 people.
Since January 2012, Canada's humanitarian response totals $48.5 million in support of those affected by the Syrian crisis.
Canada's International Humanitarian Assistance Program, aims to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain the dignity of those affected by conflicts and natural disasters by providing appropriate, timely, and effective responses.
