Canada will support the work of the ICRC in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries
July 11, 2014 - Vermillion, Alberta - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville – Wainwright, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced that Canada will support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Great Lakes region of Africa.
This announcement will help provide emergency relief—such as medical supplies, essential household items and psychosocial assistance—to people affected by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as neighbouring countries. With this funding, the ICRC will also monitor and improve conditions facing people being held in detention centres throughout the region, particularly the most vulnerable, including women and children.
“The conflict in the DRC has had an impact on the entire Great Lakes region of Africa, displacing populations within the DRC and sending thousands of refugees into neighbouring countries that lack the resources to support them,” said MP Benoit. “I am pleased to announce our government’s support to the ICRC’s important work in the region. Canada’s contribution will help ensure that humanitarian assistance, including clean water, medical supplies and essential household items are provided to the most vulnerable."
“Our government will continue to provide help to the millions of people who have been impacted by the ongoing insecurity affecting the Great Lakes region, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is now one of Canada’s development countries of focus,” said Minister Paradis. “Once again, our country’s compassion is demonstrated by its provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need.”
Sandrine Perion
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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