MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gambaro
Today, on International Human Rights Day, the Australian Government will provide over $850,000 to support projects in developing countries under the Human Rights Small Grants Scheme, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Teresa Gambaro said today.
Continuing its long-standing support for practical human rights initiatives, the Australian Government will provide this funding to a range of local organisations.
'These projects aim to protect and promote human rights at the community level and make tangible improvements to people's lives,' Ms Gambaro said.
'For example, a project to be funded in Cambodia focuses on providing counselling services and raising awareness of mental health issues for victims and witnesses in the Khmer Rouge trials. Another project aims to strengthen women's participation in politics and decision making in Vietnam.
'Australia has a strong track-record of promoting and protecting human rights internationally. Through the aid program, we assist governments in developing countries to protect and promote human rights,' Ms Gambaro said.
The Australian Government also funds aid activities that create a public demand for human rights to be observed.
'In doing so, we recognise that those living in poverty are often denied their basic human rights, such as access to education and health, and an opportunity to participate in public life. This makes it harder to break the cycle of poverty,' Ms Gambaro said.
Australia also supports human rights through bilateral, regional and global aid programs. These programs focus on activities promoting good governance, access to justice, gender equality, child protection and the combating of people trafficking.
Media contact:
Dean Savage (Ms Gambaro's Office) 0438 171 330
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590
For information on the new activities to be funded, see attachment:
Human Rights Small Grants Scheme: Successful Proposals 2006-07 [PDF 17KB]
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