MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia is contributing $12.6 million to the Office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to fund its efforts in protecting and
assisting refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in the Asia-Pacific
region.
The UNHCR is one of Australia's key international partners in
implementing programs to assist refugees and asylum seekers.
Our contribution consists of $7.3 million to UNHCR's Annual Program
Budget for 2004 to support its worldwide mandate to protect and assist refugees
and to seek long-term solutions to the challenges of large-scale people
movements.
Australia also is contributing $5.3 million from AusAID's International
Refugee Fund for UNHCR assistance to urban refugees and asylum seekers in the
Asia-Pacific region.
Urban refugees and asylum seekers, unlike those in refugee camps, often
don't have access to public services such as health care and education.
Neither do they have the opportunity to earn a living.
Australia's contribution will allow UNHCR to deliver increased
protection and assistance in Hong Kong, India, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia,
East Timor, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.
Australia's increased assistance will target highly vulnerable groups,
including separated children, the elderly, single-parent and large families
awaiting refugee status determination.
By providing assistance to these vulnerable groups, we reduce the incentive
for them to undertake hazardous journeys to other countries within the
region.
Mr Downer will be meeting the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud
Lubbers, in Canberra on 24 March 2004.
Media contacts
Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489