Canada Provides Additional Humanitarian Assistance to the Central African Republic / Canada deeply concerned for those affected by the ongoing conflict in the impoverished African country

OTTAWA, Canada, February 11, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced an additional contribution from Canada to address the dire humanitarian needs of the people affected by conflict and food insecurity in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The Government is providing financial support to UNICEF to address the water and sanitation, health and nutrition, emergency education, protection, and basic relief needs. Canada is also providing emergency food and nutrition assistance to vulnerable people across the country through the World Food Programme. With Canadian funds, Save the Children Canada will provide child protection, health, and nutrition services to vulnerable people in Nana Grebizi, a region particularly affected by the violence.

Almost one million people, or a quarter of the population, are currently displaced by violence that began escalating when rebels seized power in the former French colony in March 2013.

Quick Facts

• Canada's support, totalling $5 million, will help address the needs of more than 4.5 million people, including women and children.

• Almost one million people, or a one quarter of the population, are currently displaced.

• Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper's leadership, maternal, newborn and child health is a top priority for Canada.

• Violence began escalating when rebels seized power in March 2013.

Quotes

"Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are struggling to overcome the impacts of the conflict in the Central African Republic. Canada is providing additional humanitarian support to ensure all those impacted have access to food, water and medical care."

- Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie