The Horn of Africa is facing a climate emergency that shows no sign of ending. Having had below-average rainfall for more than 2 years, the region is experiencing its worst drought ever recorded. Even in areas where rain has recently fallen, the ground is too dry to absorb it, leading to devastating flash floods.
Canada is extremely concerned by the impact of the drought on vulnerable populations, who are already struggling as a result of conflict, insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic. Current assessments indicate that at least 43 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance throughout Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced $58.1 million in funding for gender-responsive humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of people in Ethiopia and Somalia, bringing Canada's total 2023 humanitarian assistance funding for the Horn of Africa to over $98 million.
The funding announced today will be provided to UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations to help provide the most vulnerable with food, nutrition and other critical life-saving assistance, such as health care, safe water and sanitation, and protection services. Canada's funding will also support the overall coordination and logistics of the humanitarian response in both Ethiopia and Somalia.
