Canada announced $306 million in funding to respond to annual humanitarian appeals

In the face of rising humanitarian needs, now in the context of a global COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for Canada to continue supporting its partners in carrying out their life-saving work around the world to help those in communities affected by conflict and suffering from acute food insecurity.

The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, announced that Canada is providing $306 million in response to the annual humanitarian appeals issued by UN humanitarian agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-governmental organizations, including Canadian organizations, to support their 2020 operations around the world.

“It is now more vital than ever to support the most vulnerable people. We must respond to the health crisis caused by COVID-19, but we must also respond to other ongoing humanitarian crises. Millions of people are still counting on us to alleviate poverty, food insecurity, gender inequality and the violation of human rights and to protect youth. Together with its international partners, Canada is working tirelessly to respond to global crises and to save lives,” said Karina Gould, Minister of International Development.

Canada’s support will help address the needs of millions of vulnerable people by providing food assistance; life-saving health care, including sexual and reproductive health and sexual and gender-based violence services; safe drinking water; sanitation and hygiene facilities; and shelter and protection services.

Canada’s humanitarian assistance is in line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy, which addresses the specific needs and priorities of people in vulnerable situations, particularly women and girls.

The funding is being distributed as follows.

• $177.5 million to United Nations humanitarian agencies
• $75 million to non-governmental organizations
• $53.5 million to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Original source: GA Canada
Published on 18 May 2020