MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia has offered $1 million as an initial response to the relief and medical assistance needs of the victims of the current civil unrest in East Timor. Australia will be monitoring the relief needs closely over the weekend to evaluate what further assistance may be required.
The Australian Government's quick response to the situation in East Timor will enable key relief agencies on the ground to assist with meeting food, shelter and medical needs of an estimated 20,000 people displaced from their homes.
The Australian Government's international aid agency, AusAID will provide the funding through Australian NGOs already on the ground in Dili, as well as the local Red Cross.
Australia is working with the Government of East Timor to stabilise the situation and stands ready to offer additional humanitarian assistance if necessary.
We have provided over $450 million in aid to East Timor since 1999 and since 2004 have maintained an annual aid program of over $40 million strongly focused on nation building, security and stability in East Timor.
While much has been achieved, the events of recent weeks highlight that East Timor still faces significant challenges in securing stability and prosperity.
Our aid program focuses on building the institutions of the police force and legal sector, strengthening parliament and public administration, and helping improve the delivery of essential services, such as health and water and sanitation, to rural areas.
As the situation stabilises we will look at ways we can best assist to re-establish effective law and order in East Timor and restore basic government services.
Media contact:
Tony Parkinson (Minister's Office) 0409 536 410
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590