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Friends of Mozambique Fundraiser

Speaking Notes For Hon. David Kilgour, Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)
At the Friends of Mozambique Fundraiser
Parliament Hill, 253 D Centre Block, Ottawa
March 20, 2000

On behalf of Canadian Government I would like to express solidarity with the people of Mozambique.

What has happened can only be described as a tragedy in a country which has struggled to put together a working democracy and expanding economy after its long civil war.

Mozambique has been one of the major success stories in Africa:

Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, Mozambique has had one of the fastest growing economies with annual growth of more than 10% for 3 years.

After massive donor investment Mozambique had rebuilt schools and hospitals - much of which is now lost in what is the worst flooding in 52 years.

"More damage has been done by floods than in 16 years of civil war."

Last week I had the opportunity to accompany 2 Canadian airbuses carrying relief supplies to Maputo and saw some of the flood damage firsthand

In some parts of the capital it was as though an earthquake had hit -- massive soil erosion and roads fallen away.

But real devastation was further North in places like Xai-Xai -- much of which is still under water. It could take 6 months before water there recedes -- 50,000 residents of Xai-Xai are now destitute.

Canadian airbuses brought much needed supplies for the flood victims:
blankets, plastic sheeting, chlorine tablets, soap, water pumps, shovels and the like, which we helped to unload.

It was a proud day to be a Canadian - Mozambicans were extremely grateful. I briefly met with Foreign Minister Simao who wanted me to convey his sincere thanks for everything Canada is doing. I also met with international NGOs such as the World Food Program, Red Cross, Care, UNDP and Canadian NGOs working on the ground.

CIDA has announced a total of $12.5 million in assistance to Mozambique -- one of the most substantial flood relief contributions.

Most of this money is to assist with reconstruction efforts and is being channelled through the World Food Program, UNICEF, the Red Cross and Canadian NGOs
As the money raised here tonight will go to UNICEF’s work on the ground, I would like to commend UNICEF for the efforts it is undertaking in the provision of food, safe drinking water, shelter and health care. This, in addition to identifying and caring for unaccompanied children.

Currently 329,000 people are displaced -- many residing in 97 camps
As the World Food Program Rep on the ground told us, the provision of food is critical given the destruction of 27% of Mozambique’s agricultural production. Acute malnutrition has been detected among many young children.

An appeal has been made for cash contributions so that food can be purchased locally.

Health care is also desperately needed given the looming public health crisis - it is essential to contain and treat malaria and cholera before it reaches epidemic proportions.

Vast stretches of new swampland are now a breeding ground for malarial mosquitoes, and the torrents of filthy water can spread cholera. In some places malaria is at 6 times the normal rate. Many people are suffering from hunger and exhaustion after clinging to trees and bridges, which lowers their resistance to disease.

Mozambique’s President Chissano has said that $250 million will be required to reconstruct the country. Experts say that Infrastructure development has been set back by 15 years.

A major donor conference will be held at the end of April to raise funds
Mozambique is hoping for a full cancellation of its $8.3 billion debt
The Paris Club of creditor nations has agreed to defer all of Mozambique’s debt servicing payments until a global accord cancelling the country’s debt is approved. This relieves the country of $15 million/week which can be used for development.

Canada has no bilateral debt with Mozambique, and Canada gave $8 million to the government of Mozambique to assist them in meeting the World Bank HIPC criteria for the speedy forgiveness of bilateral debt. We would like to encourage creditor nations to forgive all of Mozambique’s debt as soon as possible.

Another issue of great concern is the potential movement of Landmines which will hamper reconstruction and endanger people’s lives.

Mozambique is one of the world’s most heavily mined countries, with 1-2 million landmines on its territory.

It is difficult to tell the extent to which existing landmines will be affected - many are heavily buried. It is the mines near bridge abutments and other infrastructure which will likely be dislodged.

Canada will fund the first mine action assessment mission to Mozambique since the floods began, and is contributing $500,000 to the mission, mine awareness program, and mine clearance.

We have all seen the horrific footage on television which has helped to make the crisis in Mozambique more real. The fact that so many of you have come here tonight shows how deeply Canadians care about Africa and are prepared to help our fellow brothers and sisters in a time of need.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the generosity you have shown, and I will end by invoking a Swahili proverb which says:

"Giving is a matter of the heart, not a matter of wealth."

Thank you.

 
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