Source: Department of Foreign Affairs Canada |

Canada announces funding in response to severe food crises in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen

As a result of conflicts in northeastern Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen, as well as a devastating drought affecting Somalia, more than 20 million people are facing extreme food insecurity, with famine already declared in parts of South Sudan

OTTAWA, Canada, March 20, 2017/APO/ --

Canadians have always helped in times of crisis, and Canada’s humanitarian assistance reflects the best of Canadian values.

As a result of conflicts in northeastern Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen, as well as a devastating drought affecting Somalia, more than 20 million people are facing extreme food insecurity, with famine already declared in parts of South Sudan.

Earlier this month, the United Nations appealed for humanitarian aid urgently, saying that this is the largest humanitarian crisis since the end of the Second World War.

Today, the Honourable Ahmed D. Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on behalf of the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced that Canada will provide $119.25 million in humanitarian funding to respond to needs of crisis-affected people in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.

The funding announced will help provide life-saving assistance to crisis-affected people in these countries and will take into account the specific needs of women and children. It will include the provision of food and nutrition, health care services, clean water and sanitation facilities, and livelihoods support.

While most humanitarian partners have been able to deliver life-saving assistance to those in need, insecurity due to conflicts and a lack of respect for international humanitarian law has hindered the response. Canada calls on all parties to provide a safe and immediate access for humanitarian workers and allow them to do their work.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs Canada.