(Ottawa) Canadian Minister for International Development Harjit Sajjan announces $71 million in humanitarian assistance for Sudan and two neighboring countries facing an influx of refugees following severe violence there
East African countries are facing huge migration flows of people fleeing the devastating escalation of violence that began in Sudan on April 15.
Mr. Sajjan said the financial aid will be channeled through United Nations agencies, the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations to provide the region with food, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as basic health services.
Nearly 31 million will go to Sudan proper and roughly the same amount will be sent to South Sudan, which seceded in 2011.
Canada will also send 10 million to the Central African Republic, southwest of the other two countries. These funds will be paid to about fifteen organizations and agencies, ranging from the World Food Program to Doctors Without Borders.
Minister Sajjan said on Wednesday that this funding was structured in a flexible way, so that different agencies could expand existing programs to deal with the influx of refugees.
“Canada’s humanitarian partners are on the ground providing assistance in this very complex environment and we are in constant communication with them to understand the needs,” the minister said in a statement.
“Canada stands ready to provide additional assistance, as needed, and we continue to urge Sudan to end the violence and provide safe and unrestricted humanitarian access throughout the country. »
