Français Contact Us Help Search ... Travel Reports Canada and Iraq Policy Statement Canada is committed to helping the people of Iraq by providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. Even before the beginning of the conflict, Canada disbursed $5.6 million to help humanitarian organizations prepare for impending hostilities. On March 26, 2003, Canada committed an additional $100 million in humanitarian assistance. Of this allocation, $55 million has been disbursed to United Nations humanitarian agencies and international humanitarian non-governmental organizations. This funding will help to ensure that war-affected Iraqis have access to clean water, proper sanitation, food, shelter and primary health care. Resources were also devoted to mine action and the safety of aid workers. On May 14, 2003, Canada announced a further $200 million in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Iraq, bringing Canada's total to more than $300 million. This new funding will help Iraqi authorities improve access to basic services, including clean water, proper sanitation and primary health care. Our funds will also support Iraqi efforts to build democratic institutions; reform judicial, police and correctional services; strengthen civil society; and promote human rights. In addition, Canada will work with neighbouring countries to address some of the political, economic and social challenges and opportunities created by the new situation in Iraq. Canada welcomes UN Security Council Resolution 1483, adopted on May 22, 2003. Resolution 1483 lifts the sanctions against Iraq, which were imposed following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1991. This resolution sets out a framework for international support of Iraq's reconstruction and recovery, and recognizes the vital role the United Nations must play. The international community can now turn resolutely to the task at hand-Iraq's reconstruction and recovery. | |
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