July 3, 2013
OTTAWA — The worsening violence in Syria is forcing Syrians to leave their homes to seek safety in neighbouring countries such as Lebanon. Today, Lois Brown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, the Honourable Julian Fantino, held a round table with local representatives of the Lebanese-Syrian community and highlighted efforts by Canada to provide life-saving assistance for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
"Canada is gravely concerned by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and for the well-being of more than 1.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries, including over 500,000 currently residing in Lebanon," said Parliamentary Secretary Brown. "Our Government’s support will help to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance including food, water, shelter, and protection to the refugees affected by the conflict."
The continued violence in Syria has resulted in increased refugee flows and an increased need for humanitarian assistance. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the refugees arriving in Lebanon are facing difficulties in meeting their basic needs.
"Canada commends all humanitarian organizations including Canadian and local humanitarian organizations that are making brave efforts to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the crisis in Syria," said Minister Fantino. "We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need because it represents the best of Canadian values."
Canada provides humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in conflict- and disaster-affected areas of the world. The Economic Action Plan 2013 affirms Canada's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain the mandate of poverty alleviation and the ability to respond to humanitarian crises.