Global Community Must Join Canada in Support of Humanitarian Efforts in Syria

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 25, 2012 /CNW/ - In light of comments by Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird on the situation in Syria, Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada says:

"World Vision Canada is deeply saddened and concerned by the ongoing conflict in Syria, which has led to the deaths of hundreds of children, in addition to injuries and arbitrary detention. We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease the violence and uphold their obligations to international humanitarian law. We also call for greater humanitarian access to affected civilians, especially women and children who are the most vulnerable."

"World Vision Canada acknowledges the active role played by the Government of Canada to provide humanitarian assistance and promote the protection of civilians and a political solution to the crisis. We welcome comments from Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird that Canada is prepared to increase its humanitarian assistance to Syria as a result of the ongoing conflict.  We urge the Canadian government to continue playing an active role in concert with other governments to promote the protection of civilians and a political solution to the crisis."

"As humanitarian needs have dramatically increased with new displacements of people fleeing the violence in Syria and neighbouring countries, we call on the international community to provide additional emergency relief to children and other vulnerable groups, as well as livelihood support for those in need.  As of 5 July, UN reports indicate that humanitarian appeals for Syria and refugees have been funded at only around 20%."

"World Vision and its partners have been providing emergency relief aid to Syrian refugees in Lebanon since the start of the crisis in 2011. This includes aid for hygiene kits, food vouchers and the establishment of child-friendly spaces to provide special support for affected children who fled the violence."

"The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child asserts that every child has the right to life and the right to grow up in an environment where they are protected. Children make up half the population of refugees and displaced peoples, and have the right to special care and attention, particularly when they are separated from their families."

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

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