The Government of Canada’s announcements this week relating to the Syrian Refugee Crisis were welcome news for the Humanitarian Coalition and its members.
The $100 million to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in addition to the recommitment to matching donations from Canadians up to $100 million, is much needed as Syrian refugees prepare for winter.
In addition, the government’s focus on the most vulnerable refugees in its resettlement plan aligns with humanitarian priorities and shows a strong commitment to processing refugee claimants in line with its international obligations.
These are significant steps in the right direction and build on the Government of Canada’s promise to increase its international leadership role. Nevertheless, until the situation in Syria is resolved, the refugee crisis will not improve.
We therefore encourage the Government of Canada to increase its diplomatic engagement, to demand an end to abuses against women and children, to press for unhindered humanitarian access, to reignite the global effort to assert the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict agenda and to work to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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For media inquiries, contact us at 647-517-4563 or media@humanitariancoalition.ca
The Humanitarian Coalition (HC) brings together leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to donate during large-scale humanitarian emergencies. The HC also partners with Global Affairs Canada to enable its member agencies to respond to lesser-known small and medium-scale disasters.