CANADA, further support to those affected by the violence in Syria

PM announces further support to those affected by the violence in Syria

September 6, 2013
St. Petersburg, Russia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced further Canadian support to help address the worsening humanitarian situation in Syria.

“The Government of Canada stands with the people of Syria as they continue to face unfathomable hardships at the hands of the Assad regime,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Canada’s support, together with that of its allies, will help provide much needed humanitarian assistance to the millions of innocent people whose lives are being destroyed by the conflict in Syria.”

Canada will provide $45 million in support of humanitarian organizations striving to meet the needs of Syrians affected by the conflict. This includes providing food, clean water and sanitation, medical assistance, shelter and protection to those Syrians in country, as well as to those who have fled to neighbouring nations.

With this announcement, Canada has committed $203.5 million for humanitarian assistance to the crisis in Syria since January 2012.

The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire. It is estimated that 6.8 million people – nearly one third of the entire population of Syria – are in need of humanitarian assistance. Approximately 100,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict with thousands more wounded, and more than 2 million Syrians have sought refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt and North Africa since early 2011. These numbers are increasing and the humanitarian crisis is worsening as the conflict continues in the country.

The Government of Canada is committed to helping address the needs of the innocent civilians whose lives are being destroyed by the conflict in Syria. To this end, on the margins of the 2013 G-20 Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $45 million in additional humanitarian assistance for conflict-affected Syrians both inside Syria and in neighboring countries.

Canada’s support will help humanitarian organizations meet the needs of Syrians affected by the conflict by providing food, clean water and sanitation, medical assistance, shelter and protection to those Syrians in country, as well as to those who have fled to neighboring nations.

The Prime Minister’s Office – Communications

Canada pledges more aid, pushes for more support for Syrian civilians