OTTAWA, Sept. 16, 2015 (UNHCR) – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Canada thanks the People and the Governments of New Brunswick, Northwest Territories and Ontario for their financial contributions in support of UNHCR’s relief efforts for Syrian refugees.
“I would like to express, on behalf of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. António Guterres, our profound appreciation for these generous donations that will increase our ability to urgently respond the growing needs of Syrian refugees,” said Furio De Angelis, UNHCR Representative in Canada.
“This is indeed another demonstration of Canada’s dedication to help and assist the world’s refugees and displaced people.”
On 4 September 2015, the Premier of New Brunswick, the Honourable Brian Gallant announced a contribution in the amount of $50 thousand Canadian dollars in support of the Syrian relief effort.
On 11 September 2015, the Premier of Northwest Territories, the Honourable Bob McLeod announced a contribution in the amount of$ 25 thousand Canadian dollars as an immediate response to the Syrian crisis.
On 12 September 2015, the Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Kathleen Wynne made a commitment to provide $1 million Canadian dollars to support Syrian refugees’ immediate needs.
UNHCR also welcomes additional initiatives announced by the premiers to ensure necessary support is provided once the refugees arrive in their jurisdictions.
For these contributions and other pledges made earlier this month, UNHCR is sincerely grateful to all Canadians across the country who are mobilizing and working with their respective municipal and provincial authorities as well as the Federal government to lay groundwork for the resettlement of Syrian refugees and to raise funding in support of emergency operations.
In particular, we wish to recognize UNIFOR for its donation, through its Social Justice Fund, of $160 thousand Canadian dollars in response to UNHCR appeal for Syrian refugees in Jordan.
The deterioration of conditions inside Syria and neighbouring countries is driving thousands of Syrians to risk everything on perilous journeys to Europe. In addition to appealing for financial support, UNHCR has been advocating for resettlement and other humanitarian admission schemes to help vulnerable Syrians.
Backgrounders:
UNHCR leads and coordinates the response to the Syrian refugee situation in the host countries, working closely with the host governments and our UN and NGO partners. As of 6 September 2015, There were 4,088,099 registered Syrian refugees in countries neighbouring Syria including 1,938,999 in Turkey, 1,113,941 in Lebanon, 629,266 in Jordan, 249,463 in Iraq, 132,375 in Egypt and 24,055 in several countries in North Africa. Only 12 per cent of refugees across the region lived in formal refugee camps. The number of people displaced inside Syria is estimated at 7.6 million.
For further information: Gisèle Nyembwe, 613-986-4300, email: nyembwe@unhcr.org