The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded his first visit to Ukraine on August 21, 2024. The visit reaffirmed Canada's solidarity with and ongoing support of Ukraine as it faces the devastation brought by Russia's war of aggression.
In Kyiv, Ukraine, Minister Hussen visited Okhmatdyt Hospital, a specialized children's hospital that has treated children from around the world, where he saw first-hand the impact of Russia's attacks on health facilities. He also attended an event marking the 140th anniversary of the start of the women's movement in Ukraine, where he reaffirmed Canada's commitment to empowering local women's organizations in Ukraine to defend human rights. He also met with representatives of Save Ukraine, a civil society organization undertaking remarkable efforts to return home the children unlawfully deported and transferred by Russia, helping reunite them with their families and supporting their reintegration. In addition, he spoke with veterans at the Kyiv City Clinical Hospital for War Veterans, where he learned about the physical and psychosocial challenges they face and saw first-hand their determination and resolve.
Minister Hussen paid tribute at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine to those who have lost their lives fighting against Russia's brutal aggression and defending freedom. At the Holodomor Museum, he honoured the memory of millions of Ukrainians who perished in the Soviet Union's man-made famine and heard about the far-reaching impacts of Russia's aggression today, including on food insecurity in Africa and the Middle East.
The Minister also met with senior Ukrainian leadership, including Sergii Marchenko, Minister of Finance, and Dmytro Lubinets, Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, civil society organizations and Crimean Tatar leaders. Their discussions covered a range of topics, including Ukraine's reform efforts, recovery plans and acute energy needs following relentless attacks on the energy grid, as well as the illegal deportation to Russia and unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children within the temporary occupied territories.
Minister Hussen announced that Canada will provide $5.7 million in humanitarian assistance funding, which will provide shelter, water and sanitation, emergency health services and protection services, including child protection and gender-based violence mitigation and response. This brings Canada's total humanitarian assistance funding for Ukraine in 2024 to $28.2 million.
Minister Hussen also announced that Canada will provide $10 million over 5 years to UNICEF for a project that helps support the reintegration of children as they return to Ukraine from neighbouring countries, including those who were displaced and illegally transferred to Russia. It also will enhance quality family-based care options and child protection services for vulnerable children, such as those with disabilities and at-risk youth.
