Canada’s contribution is helping improve the health, well-being and protection of children, women and their families
August 22, 2014 – Calgary, Alberta – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced funding for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the provision of humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of children, women and their families in Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, and Canada is ready to provide additional help to save lives,” said MP Shory. “Canada’s support to UNICEF will help ensure Afghan families, particularly children, have improved access to safe water, treatment for malnutrition and a protective environment.”
The cumulative effects of decades of conflict and recurrent natural disasters have left many Afghan people highly vulnerable. Canada is responding to the humanitarian appeal from UNICEF for the people of Afghanistan.
“The Government of Canada’s generous support of UNICEF programs in Afghanistan has directly contributed to improving the lives and well-being of women and children across the country,” said David Morley, UNICEF Canada’s President and CEO. “Today’s renewed support will provide improved nutrition to children in need; better access to essential maternal, newborn and child health services; and improved access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. UNICEF applauds the Government of Canada’s global leadership in saving children’s lives, and together, we remain committed to the children of Afghanistan who depend on our support for a better future.”
“Canada is committed to maintaining its development presence in Afghanistan,” said Minister Paradis. “We also remain steadfast in our commitment to helping Afghanistan meet the basic needs and reduce the vulnerability of the Afghan people, especially women and children.”
In 2014, Afghanistan was reconfirmed as a country of focus for Canada’s international efforts. Afghanistan is also one of Canada’s countries of focus to improve maternal, newborn and child 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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