Canada Renews Support for Burmese Refugees and Displaced People

Canada has decided to support Burmese refugees and displaced Burmese living in Burma’s border areas.

Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar anounced on Saturday that Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation has said that Government of Canada will continue support for Burmese refugees and displaced persons living in Burma's border areas.

"Canada's renewed support builds on the significant results being achieved in Burma's border areas. Over the past five years, CIDA-funded health care initiatives have treated nearly one million cases of malaria, acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and severe malnutrition, provided food aid to approximately 145,000 refugees, and health care services to approximately 500,000 refugees," said Minister Oda. "These results, along with support for community-based organizations working on human rights and environmental issues, demonstrate how Canada's assistance is helping those in need."

"Canada, through this support, is focusing on meeting the needs of people in the border areas," said Ms. Block. "This funding will contribute to building capacity within the Burmese population, while ensuring that basic services, such as health care and food are provided to both refugees and surrounding communities."

The renewed funding amounts to $15.9 million over five years, and builds on CIDA's $12.4 million contribution for assistance in the region provided over the previous five years. CIDA is continuing to provide assistance in the region through Inter Pares Canada, a Canadian humanitarian organization, which supports numerous organizations, including the Thailand-Burma Border Consortium and the Mae Tao Clinic.

- Asian Tribune -