Mr. Chair, we are deeply concerned by the rapid deterioration of the security and the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic and its impact on innocent lives.
In 2013, Canada provided $6.95 million to support humanitarian organizations to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the violence in the Central African Republic, including $750,000 to address the needs of Central African Republic refugees. Very recently, our government announced $5 million in new humanitarian assistance to address urgent needs of those affected by this crisis, including $2 million for food assistance in the operation.
We will continue to closely monitor the evolving humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic and will remain prepared to respond according to the level of need.