Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n On August 8, 2018, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, completed a week-long visit to Tanzania and Uganda. These countries are crucial allies in Eastern Africa. During the visit, Minister Hussen engaged with key officials and stakeholders to address global migration trends and the challenges faced by these nations.<\/p>\n Minister Hussen commended Uganda for its commendable efforts in hosting a large refugee population. He reaffirmed Canada’s dedication to assisting refugees and vulnerable groups by pledging further financial aid.<\/p>\n He announced a grant of $175,000 from Canada’s Migration Policy Development Program. This grant will fund three sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) experts in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica. These professionals aim to safeguard and support refugees, focusing on women and girls affected by SGBV.<\/p>\n These experts, in collaboration with the International Catholic Migration Commission and the UNHCR, will be involved in various activities. Their responsibilities include identifying and referring vulnerable refugee women and girls for resettlement opportunities in Canada and other countries.<\/p>\n Additionally, Minister Hussen introduced a $99,000 grant for Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathway Project. This pilot, in partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries, RefugePoint, and the UNHCR, evaluates the feasibility of skilled refugees in Kenya and the Middle East entering Canada’s economic immigration programs. This project is vital for identifying barriers preventing vulnerable groups from achieving economic independence and stability in Canada.<\/p>\n Representing the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister Hussen announced an additional $320,000 from Canada for food aid to South Sudanese refugees in Uganda. This funding will support 2,000 pregnant and lactating mothers and 500 individuals with specific dietary needs for nine months. This support builds on previous aid provided since December 2016 through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.<\/p>\n “Canada is deeply committed to sustaining efforts in Eastern Africa to support refugees and other vulnerable populations.”<\/p>\n “Tanzania and Uganda have a longstanding tradition of supporting refugees. Uganda, especially, is a leader in offering asylum through its inclusive policies.”<\/p>\n \u2013 The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Media Inquiries Only<\/strong><\/p>\n Mathieu Genest<\/strong> Media Relations<\/strong>Overview of the Visit<\/h2>\n
Initiatives in Uganda<\/h3>\n
Collaborative Efforts and Projects<\/h3>\n
Food Assistance and Support<\/h2>\n
Statements from Minister Hussen<\/h2>\n
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Media Contacts<\/h2>\n
Minister\u2019s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064<\/p>\n
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\nRelated Information<\/h2>\n