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July 25th, 2014

Canada must support UN humanitarian efforts in Gaza

As Canadians continue to be shocked by the mounting casualties and severe humanitarian need in the Gaza Strip, the NDP is calling on the Conservative government to support United Nations humanitarian efforts.

“The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is critical,” NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) wrote today in a letter to Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird. “Canada has an opportunity and a responsibility to help.”

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) recently declared an emergency in the Gaza Strip, and is asking the international community to provide urgent support. Over the last six years, the Conservatives have cut Canada’s overall annual contribution to UNRWA from $28 million to zero.

“In light of the current humanitarian crisis, I urge the Government to make an immediate contribution to the UNRWA emergency appeal for the Gaza Strip,” added Dewar in the letter.