Vancouver, British Columbia – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced funding for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the provision of humanitarian assistance to thousands of conflict-affected women and children on Mindanao island in the Philippines.

Following decades of ongoing conflict on Mindanao, new violence in September 2013 in Zamboanga City displaced thousands of families.

“The many women and children affected by conflict are at increased risk of disease, malnutrition and danger, including child trafficking and gender-based violence,” said Minister Wong. “Canada is helping to change that by providing funding to UNICEF for activities that are addressing immediate needs, such as access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene, and improved nutrition.”

“Children in Mindanao live in difficult conditions imposed by a conflict for which they are not responsible” said Meg French, UNICEF Canada’s Director of International Policy and Programs. “The generosity of the Government of Canada will help children and families gain better access to safe drinking water and better nutrition, and they will benefit from child-friendly spaces where they can regain a sense of normalcy in their lives and have a safe place to play.”

“Canada proudly reaffirms its commitment to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain the dignity of those who are affected by ongoing conflict,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada remains committed to assisting the Filipino people and building on our strong relations with the Philippines.”

Minister Wong announced the funding at Pinoy Fiesta in Vancouver, the largest Filipino cultural event in Canada.

src:news.gc.ca