July 11, 2013 - OTTAWA – Canada is providing emergency lifesaving assistance to support Darfuri refugees in eastern Chad, announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Development. Canada’s assistance will help to provide food, safe water, and shelter for the refugees.
“The conflict in the Darfur region has caused significant displacement of Sudanese and Chadian people,” said Minister Fantino. “Canada’s humanitarian assistance is an expression of our compassion for those most in need around the world. Through Canada's humanitarian assistance, we are ensuring that the needs of those displaced are being met.”
Since January 2013, conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan has caused significant displacement both within Sudan and across the border into Chad. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that some 30,000 Sudanese refugees and an estimated 20,000 Chadians who were living in the conflict zones have fled to the Sila region of eastern Chad.
With Canada's assistance, shelter, blankets, safe drinking water, and cooking stoves will be provided. Emergency latrines will also be set up in the newly established Ab Gadam camp in the Sila region of eastern Chad. This assistance builds on Canada’s earlier support to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, announced on May 13, 2013, to help meet the humanitarian needs of approximately 6,000 Sudanese refugees and displaced Chadians.
Canada’s assistance has been provided through the Canadian Red Cross Society. For more details on this emergency operation supported by Canada, refer to Emergency Appeal – Chad: Population Movement.
Economic Action Plan 2013 reaffirms Canada's commitment to humanitarian assistance, including this support for Darfuri refugees. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain its mandate of poverty alleviation and the ability to respond to humanitarian crises.
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Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Development
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: danielbezalel.richardsen@international.gc.ca
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