Canada’s contribution will support demining activities to help ensure safety in the Balkans
July 17, 2014 - Brussels, Belgium - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
On behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) announced an additional $100,000 in humanitarian assistance funding to help meet the need for demining efforts as a result of the severe flooding in the Balkans.
“The danger posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance is of great concern,” said Minister Yelich. “That is why Canada is providing additional support so that the risks to children and individuals living in the area are minimized.”
Heavy rainfall in May 2014 caused widespread flooding in the Balkans region. There have been at least 2,000 subsequent landslides which have not only destroyed homes, but also shifted mapped landmines left from the war in the Balkans in the 1990s. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world with an estimated 120,000 mines and unexploded ordnance.
“Canada continues to be concerned by the impact of the devastating floods and landslides in the Balkans,” said Minister Paradis. “With this additional support, Canada is contributing to the protection of children and their families in the region.”
This new funding brings Canada’s total to $900,000 in response to the floods. It will support humanitarian demining in affected areas to help ensure the safety of families and individuals living in the region.
Minister Yelich made the announcement while attending a donors’ conference hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, to mobilize further support for Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Canada is closely monitoring the situation in the Balkans and will respond as appropriate.
Sandrine Périon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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