Canada pledges another $331.5-million aid at humanitarian summit

Theglobeandmail.com
May 24, 2016
By The Canadian Press

International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced an additional $331.5-million in humanitarian aid at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey.

Bibeau says in a statement Tuesday that the new funding will help the most vulnerable in more than 32 countries.

Those who will receive the funding include United Nations humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations, as well as Canadian organizations.

Today’s announcement was made on the final day of the summit.

On Monday, Bibeau announced $274-million in humanitarian and development aid that focused on emergency response, child protection and food security.

During the summit, the statement says Bibeau emphasized the need to focus on women and girls in every humanitarian response, as well as Canada’s commitment to be innovative and make every dollar count. She also assured that Canada will continue to defend humanitarian principles.

“Given the size of current humanitarian needs, Canada is committed to working with all partners - including those at the local level - to combine our strengths and maximize the impact we have on humanitarian crises,” Bibeau said.

“We are especially concerned with women and girls, who are often the most vulnerable in crises. That is why they are at the heart of Canada’s humanitarian response.”