Canada provides new humanitarian assistance in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
As the situation on the ground in Türkiye and Syria continues to be critical, the urgent, immediate needs of communities affected by the recent earthquakes are becoming clearer.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, last week announced that Canada is providing an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the appeal from the United Nations for Türkiye and Syria.
“We continue to be stricken by the terrible tragedy that is unfolding in Türkiye and Syria. Today’s announcement responds to the humanitarian appeals made by the international community. Coordinated and thoughtful humanitarian action is essential to an effective response on the ground. By working with these experienced humanitarian partners, Canada is ensuring that its assistance will quickly go to the people who need help the most,” said Minister Sajjan.
The funding will help support a range of critical humanitarian activities and a timely, effective and coordinated humanitarian response in both Türkiye and Syria.
“After facing one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit the region, it is our duty as a government to ensure that Canada is there to bring much-needed assistance to the people of Türkiye and Syria. We will continue to stand with the people of Türkiye and Syria during this difficult time and will provide emergency assistance to help the two countries recover,” Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
As Canadians have been generous in their support to the people affected by this disaster, Minister Sajjan also announced that Canada will match $10 million in donations raised by the Humanitarian Coalition and its members.
These funds will help the Humanitarian Coalition and its members deliver life-saving services, such as emergency food, cash and vouchers, as well as necessary water, sanitation and health services. This matching fund, Canada’s second in response to this crisis, will address the growing needs in Syria in addition to those in Türkiye.
Working with the Canadian Red Cross, Canada has already sent 22,000 relief items from its stockpiles to help the humanitarian response efforts in Türkiye, including blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, tarpaulins and jerry cans, and supported the deployment of 4 humanitarian experts from the Canadian Red Cross to join the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s emergency responses in Syria and Türkiye.
Canada continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with humanitarian partners to assess and respond to evolving needs.
“This humanitarian assistance will help bring some urgent relief to communities in Türkiye and Syria that are suffering. Canada will be there to help those affected by these awful events and get through these difficult times, ” Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport.