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Canada announces $100 million in funding to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

November 26, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance funding to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help respond to pressing needs, including shelter, protection, education and health for those affected by the Syrian crisis.

The funding announced today will make a difference in the lives of families that have fled their homes in search of safety. Canadian funding to UNHCR will help provide the means for families to buy warm clothes for their kids and a supply of gas to fuel a heater over the winter. This funding will also help keep kids in school by providing an opportunity for them to continue to learn, play and grow. The funding will also help alleviate some of the pressure on neighbouring countries in dealing with the tremendous influx of refugees.

The needs of those affected remain great and therefore the Government of Canada is asking Canadians to help support humanitarian efforts on the ground through the Syria Emergency Relief Fund. For every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities, the government will match these contributions by providing support to experienced international and Canadian humanitarian organizations using effective and established channels and procedures.

Since the crisis began, it is estimated that more than 250,000 people have died and over 1 million have been injured as a result of the conflict. In the last two years, ISIS’ rapid territorial gains and atrocities committed against civilians have caused the humanitarian situation to deteriorate and further complicated the humanitarian response.

Today’s announcement brings Canada’s assistance funding in response to the Syria crisis to a total of $969 million.

Quotes

“Canada will continue to stand by the people of Syria and their neighbouring countries during this conflict. Along with our commitment to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada, our additional contribution to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' efforts will help the poorest and most vulnerable, and support those affected by times of crisis in fragile states.”

  • The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie “This generous support from Canada is not only extremely timely, it is a true signal of leadership in responding to this huge and complex refugee crisis. With over four million Syrian refugees in the region, I hope more countries will follow Canada’s example and not only help us address the enormous needs in the neighbouring states but provide more opportunities for refugees to find safety elsewhere.”

  • António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”

Quick facts

Today’s announcement of $100 million dollars is supporting UNHCR’s efforts to:

  • provide core relief items and shelter assistance to vulnerable conflict-affected people in camps and urban settings, either by providing non-food items directly, or through cash-based assistance;

  • improve access to essential services, particularly health care and emergency education;

  • provide refugee registration, assistance for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and also assistance to unaccompanied and separated children;

  • identify, contact and counsel Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey eligible for resettlement.

Related products

Backgrounder – Government of Canada announces funding for humanitarian assistance in Syria and neighbouring countries

Associated links
Canada’s response to the conflict in Syria
Syria Emergency Relief Fund
#WelcomeRefugees

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