Save the Children welcomes Canadian funding for people affected by the Syrian conflict

Save the Children welcomes the Government of Canada’s continued investment to support children and their families affected by the conflict in Syria. After nine years of war, more than half of Syria’s children rely on life-saving aid to survive.

Today, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, announced an investment of $50.35 million in foreign-aid funding to international organizations in support of humanitarian efforts in the Middle East and in response to the Syrian crisis. This welcomed announcement came during the “Brussels III” Conference on ‘Supporting Syria and the Region’ – a conference where the international community comes together to commit to helping Syrians inside their country, as well as refugees and their hosts.

Rachel Logel Carmichael, Head of Humanitarian Affairs at Save the Children Canada, said: 

“More than 5 million boys and girls are still in need of urgent and ongoing humanitarian assistance. Many of these children and their families live in areas where basic services are almost non-existent. The essential infrastructure they rely on – such as healthcare, education and water and hygiene services – has been decimated. Canada’s financial commitment will transform the lives of boys and girls affected by this brutal conflict.

“Communities impacted by this crisis will require long-term investment to recover and rebuild their lives. Canada and other members of the international community must continue a strong stance on holding all parties to account, calling for an end to the violence, and to allow for rapid and unfettered humanitarian access.”

The Canadian funding will address basic needs, food, protection and health services, water, sanitation and hygiene. The money will also support women and girls through protection services and sexual and reproductive health services.