MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the Australian Government will provide an additional $5.5 million in assistance to Sudan.
Australia will provide $5 million for food relief in the troubled Darfur region. The assistance, through the Government's international aid agency AusAID, will help the World Food Programme (WFP) continue feeding around 2.5 million people, who have fled their homes and are staying in internally displaced persons camps in Darfur.
The people of Darfur are suffering from indiscriminate violence and the deliberate destruction of livelihoods, making the situation in Darfur one of the world's most neglected humanitarian crises.
With violence escalating in Sudan, safety is a major concern. Australia will provide a further $510,000 to AUSTCARE to fund protection officers who will work with United Nations agencies increasing security for civilians in internally displaced person camps in both Darfur and southern Sudan.
These contributions will bring Australia's assistance to Sudan since May 2004 to
$52.6 million.
Australia will continue to monitor humanitarian conditions in Sudan and respond to priority needs in coordination with other donors.
Media contacts:
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
Tony Parkinson (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500