Canada’s support of UNICEF in the Democratic Republic of Congo is helping young children and their families
July 24, 2014 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification, joined by Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre (Manitoba), hosted a round table with non-governmental organization officials to discuss Canada's leadership role to date as well as what concrete actions Canada should take going forward to improve maternal, newborn and child health.
PS McLeod also announced, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie new funding to support the UNICEF humanitarian program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that is helping to address needs arising from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in that country.
“Canada has recently added the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a county of focus for international development efforts,” said PS McLeod. “UNICEF is a key partner in saving the lives of children in this country of great need. Their humanitarian work in the DRC is helping ensure that children affected by conflict and insecurity have a chance to survive, grow, and thrive, despite their current difficult circumstances.”
“We welcome the Government of Canada’s support for the children of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said David Morley, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada. “It is with the leadership and support of partners such as the Government of Canada that we are able to make a real difference in the lives of the millions of children affected by the ongoing conflict who face forced displacement, disease and acute malnutrition, putting their futures at risk.”
Ongoing conflict and insecurity in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in widespread population displacement, significant protection needs, particularly for women and children, and the destruction of assets, livelihoods and basic infrastructure. Malnutrition and disease also continue to endanger the lives of many children in this country.
“This Government has placed maternal, newborn and child health as its top development priority,” said Minister Paradis. “Women and children are often the most vulnerable in a humanitarian crisis. Canada is committed to addressing their needs—working with our humanitarian partners, including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to help save lives and alleviate suffering.”
The round table meeting held today was part of the consultations announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Saving Every Woman, Every Child: Within Arm’s Reach Summit which took place in Toronto from May 28 to 30, 2014.
Today’s consultation focused on how to ensure that global commitments deliver real results to those in need while remaining accountable to Canadian taxpayers.Canadais committed to scaling up interventions that will have the greatest impact, including in the areas of nutrition, vaccination and newborn health.
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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