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Canada continues to respond to critical humanitarian needs in Somalia

December 15, 2017 - Etobicoke, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada is concerned by the extremely fragile humanitarian situation in Somalia and supports international efforts to meet the basic needs of the millions of Somalis facing hunger, disease, displacement, physical insecurity and loss of livelihoods. Somalia continues to face the ongoing effects of nearly three decades of conflict and insecurity as well as the impact of chronic drought and other natural disasters.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, that Canada will provide $10.4 million for humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in Somalia.

Minister Hussen made the announcement during an event with members of the Somalian community in Etobicoke, Ontario.

This new funding will be allocated to the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme and the American Refugee Committee to help address the critical needs of Somalis affected by the ongoing severe drought and food insecurity in Somalia.

Canada has adopted a Feminist International Assistance Policy, which supports gender-responsive humanitarian action that makes it easier for women, girls and all young children to access nutritious foods and supplements. This better addresses the unique needs of women and girls in a humanitarian crisis.

Quotes

“While Somalia has taken great steps in recent years toward peace and stability, the country remains vulnerable to both natural disasters and conflict. Canada stands in solidarity with Somalia and the millions of Somalis requiring humanitarian assistance in the face of drought and insecurity. Canada is proud to provide this humanitarian assistance to address the needs of the most vulnerable and ensure those requiring emergency assistance are reached.”

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick Facts

  • Since 2015, Canada has allocated $89.3 million to address drought- and conflict-related humanitarian needs in Somalia, which includes $4.6 million from the Famine Relief Fund.

  • This funding has been channelled through UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and non-governmental organizations to help provide food, water and sanitation; treatment for acute malnutrition; and other medical support, shelter and protection to those in need.

  • Canada also provides humanitarian support for approximately 1 million Somali refugees living in neighbouring countries through its funding to the UN Refugee Agency and the World Food Programme.

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Contacts

Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
marie-emmanuelle.cadieux@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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