MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Australia will pledge $100 million over the next five years towards a world free from landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war.
These weapons continue to adversely affect more than 70 countries and kill and injure more than 5,000 people a year.
The pledge will be made as part of Australia's new Mine Action Strategy for the Australian aid program from 2010 to 2014.
This is the biggest five-year commitment made by Australia to mine action.
Australia's current five-year $75 million pledge to mine action has been delivered almost one year ahead of time.
In two weeks, Australia will participate in the Cartagena Summit on a Mine-Free World in Colombia. This is the Second Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention.
At the meeting, Australia and other States Parties will review progress against the Convention and agree to a plan of action from 2010 to 2014.
Australia's new Mine Action Strategy will support the achievement of Australia's obligations under the 1997 Mine Ban Convention and Australia's commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which the Government signed in December 2008.
The Strategy has one overriding goal – to reduce the threat and socioeconomic impact of landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war.
In reaching this goal, the Australian Government will work towards the following four outcomes:
- Better quality of life for victims – including survivors, their affected families and communities
- Fewer deaths and injuries
- Greater capacity of countries to manage their mine action programs
- Effective leadership and advocacy by Australia on mine action.
Australia will continue to give priority to the countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with flexibility to respond to other emerging needs.