Canada reaffirms commitment to fight against child, early and forced marriage
March 23, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced further Canadian funding for projects aimed at ending child, early and forced marriage (CEFM). Minister Nicholson made the announcement following his meeting with Valerie Msoka, Executive Director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association.
Ms. Msoka, a member of the Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network, received the first Champion Against Child, Early and Forced Marriage in Tanzania Award in recognition of her efforts to protect the rights of women and girls. The award was established by the High Commission of Canada in Tanzania to recognize the distinguished contribution of a Tanzanian leader for his or her efforts to end CEFM in Tanzania.
Minister Nicholson announced support in the amount of $2.3 million for two projects aimed at countering CEFM:
- $1.5 million to Save the Children Canada to improve policy and legal frameworks and enhance the capacity of community organizations to prevent and protect children from CEFM in Somalia. The project will also seek to empower children through education and training in the prevention and fight against CEFM.
- $890,000 to the Women’s Refugee Commission to better protect the human rights and physical safety of girls in situations of conflict and displacement—including Somali refugees in Ethiopia—thus enabling them to lead healthy lives and reach their full potential. This project will increase awareness of the harmful effects of CEFM as well as increase the services and support available to girls and their families to provide appropriate and viable alternatives to CEFM.
The Minister also announced a commitment to make future investments related to countering CEFM in Tanzania, where potential projects are being developed.
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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