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Add to Preferred SourcesThe Horn of Africa is facing a climate emergency that shows no sign of ending. Having had below-average rainfall for more than 2 years, the region is experiencing its worst drought ever recorded. Even in areas where rain has recently fallen, the ground is too dry to absorb it, leading to devastating flash floods.
Canada is extremely concerned about the impact of the drought on vulnerable populations, who are already struggling as a result of conflict, insecurity, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Current assessments indicate that at least 43 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance throughout Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada announced $58.1 million in funding for gender-responsive humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of people in Ethiopia and Somalia, bringing Canada’s total 2023 humanitarian assistance funding for the Horn of Africa to over $98 million.
“The deteriorating situation caused by climate change and other factors has created catastrophic conditions for millions of people in the Horn of Africa. With this latest humanitarian support, Canada is helping its partners to meet the urgent needs of some of the most vulnerable people in the world, ” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.
The funding announced will be provided to UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other non-governmental organizations to help provide the most vulnerable with food, nutrition, and other critical life-saving assistance, such as health care, safe water and sanitation, and protection services. Canada’s funding will also support the overall coordination and logistics of the humanitarian response in both Ethiopia and Somalia.