Erbil, Iraq
2 May 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced a number of new initiatives to further support Iraq in this time of crisis as it struggles against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). He made the announcement in Erbil, Iraq.
Since January 2014, more than 2.6 million people have been displaced in Iraq as a result of the barbarity being perpetrated by ISIS. This has created challenges for the many host communities in Iraq, particularly in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, where large numbers of displaced persons are located, and local resources are strained.
The announcement was made following a meeting between Prime Minister Harper and the President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, during which they discussed the fight against ISIS, as well as security and humanitarian challenges. The stabilization and development assistance announced today will help improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene; rehabilitate infrastructure and schools; provide psychosocial and child protection services; improve governance; assist investigations into human rights violations in conflict-affected areas; and to clear explosive remnants of war.
