The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:
"Today, we recognize the courage and resilience of humanitarian workers who help communities around the world respond to extreme weather events, emergencies and armed conflicts. This year's World Humanitarian Day theme of #ActForHumanity underscores the critical importance of facilitating aid access, protecting humanitarian workers and reducing the suffering of civilians.
"This year we mark 25 years since the UN Security Council added the protection of civilians to its agenda and 75 years since the international community adopted the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
"The conventions make it clear that in armed conflict, civilian humanitarian workers should never be the victims of indiscriminate violence. Medical facilities and staff must be respected and protected and must never be used as shields.
"It is unacceptable that aid resources be prevented from reaching people in need and humanitarian workers be put at risk of injury, kidnapping and even death.
"Armed conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and elsewhere have highlighted how difficult and dangerous it can be for humanitarian organizations to do their work. Canada strongly advocates for increased, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance that allows people impacted by conflicts and crises to receive much-needed support.
"Last year, 280 humanitarian workers were killed-more than double the toll of the previous year. Local humanitarian workers face the greatest risk, representing 97% of those killed last year.
"And this year, those heartbreaking statistics are set to reach unprecedented levels; in Gaza alone, more than 120 humanitarian workers have already been killed.
"Working with non-governmental organizations, UN partners and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Canada provided more than $1.3 billion in funding for humanitarian assistance last year. This helped fund the response to emergencies in over 100 countries, with a particular focus on supporting women and girls. As humanitarian needs continue to rise, Canada is committed to doing its part. In Budget 2024, we announced an additional $150 million in humanitarian funding.
"Whether providing a hot meal, a safe place to sleep, clean water or health care in emergencies, humanitarian workers deliver dignity and hope when they are needed most. Today and every day, humanitarian workers deserve our gratitude, respect and protection so that they can continue their live-saving work."
