MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce a further donation of $10 million for vital humanitarian relief for those affected by conflict in Sudan.
Of this, $6 million will be allocated immediately through emergency relief agencies in Sudan's south to provide urgently needed basic services such as clean water and shelter. The remaining $4 million will be disbursed following a further needs assessment in Sudan.
The donation, announced at the international donor's conference in Oslo on 11 April, brings official Australian humanitarian emergency assistance to victims of conflicts in Sudan to more than $ 40 million in the past 12 months.
The Australian Government is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, in particular Darfur.
Responsibility for the well-being and security of Sudan's people rests squarely with the Government of Sudan. We call on it and other parties to the various conflicts to end the violence and alleviate the human suffering and gross human rights abuses.
Australia remains committed to strong international action by the United Nations and the African Union to encourage all warring factions to meet their obligations under peace and ceasefire agreements. We urge neighbouring and other countries to use their influence to end the senseless violence and secure peace in the region.
For more than 20 years, civil war has devastated the South, claiming millions of lives and forcing similar numbers to flee. The funding announced today will provide basic assistance to southern communities and those displaced by this conflict. Australia stands ready to consider further requests to ease the suffering of the people of Sudan.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590