Burlington, February 19, 2026- Islamic Relief Canada welcomes the Government of Canada’s
announcement of amendments to sanctions related to Syria, a step that will help reduce barriers that can slow down humanitarian action and early recovery support for civilians.
“Humanitarian organizations exist to reach people in crisis quickly, safely, and with
accountability,” said Tufail Hussain, CEO of Islamic Relief Canada. “Canada’s updated approach
will help remove practical obstacles that can make it harder to deliver aid and support essential
services—while targeted accountability measures remain important.”
Needs in Syria remain immense. UNICEF reports that 16.5 million people—including 7.4 million
children—are in need of humanitarian assistance. With large numbers of families returning to their communities, pressure on basic services like health care and water systems is rising.
Islamic Relief Canada is already delivering health and water/sanitation programming inside Syria, including support for trauma care and rehabilitation services, as well as work to improve access to safe water.
Building on this work, Islamic Relief Canada is reinforcing support for:
• Emergency food and essential items
• Safe water and sanitation rehabilitation
• Health services and maternal health support
• Protection services for women and children
• Cash assistance to help families meet urgent needs
Islamic Relief Canada will also convene a humanitarian delegation to Syria in the coming months to meet local partners, assess evolving needs, and identify where additional Canadian support can deliver the greatest impact.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Houda Kerkadi, Media and Press Relations Specialist
+1 514-578-2684
About Islamic Relief Canada
Islamic Relief Canada is a registered Canadian charity and a prominent humanitarian organization providing emergency relief and supporting resilient communities around the world. Registered Charity No. 821896875RR0001.