TORONTO

Canada announced Thursday an additional $148.59 million in funding for humanitarian and development assistance to Syria and the region, according to a statement by the federal government.

Of this amount, at least $78.59 million will be used to help crisis-affected people in meeting their basic needs.

This includes providing food assistance, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene services and health services, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Canada will allocate another $70 million to the region, solidifying its ongoing efforts to support development assistance in the region.

The funding will deliver change that will empower women and girls, further advance gender equality, improve sustainable education and better integrate effective and accountable governance.

The Syrian crisis continues to affect millions of people in Syria and neighboring countries including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Türkiye, which host over 6.8 million Syrian refugees.

Canada is committed to continuing its work with the international community, with Syrians and the neighboring countries to end the crisis with a sustainable political solution, the statement said.