MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Government will provide a further $2 million to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of thousands of civilians who have fled their homes due to the current conflict in the Middle East. This brings Australia's humanitarian response to date to $7.5 million.
The Australian Government's international aid agency, AusAID, will provide an additional $1 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and an additional $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assist Lebanese civilians displaced by the conflict.
The WFP reports that tens of thousands of people remain trapped in the region while the fighting continues around them.
The $1 million to the WFP will enable the immediate distribution of food and water. The funding to the WFP, which is the lead UN agency for the logistics of transporting humanitarian aid to and within Lebanon, will also help get medical equipment, shelter and hygiene kits to victims.
The ICRC is coordinating the evacuation of the wounded, supplying hospitals with fuel, medicines and consumables, and restoring water supplies. This brings Australia's total contribution to the ICRC for the situation in Lebanon to $3 million.
Australia is continuing to support diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the immediate crisis and is closely monitoring developments.
Media enquiries
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680590
Tony Parkinson (Mr Downer's office) (02)62777500