MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce $5 million for new reconstruction and development activities in Lebanon.
The commitment, to several international agencies working to help the country recover from last year's conflict, is expected to benefit tens of thousands of people.
Our contribution of $1.5 million will assist the World Health Organization in its work with Lebanon's Ministry of Health on reconstruction of priority health infrastructure such as hospitals and clinics.
The $1.5 million provided to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will support the restoration of health services, particularly immunisation campaigns for children.
Australia will provide $1 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency to help reconstruct health facilities in Palestinian refugee camps.
And we will provide $1 million to the UN Mine Action Service for clearance of unexploded ordnance and to provide support to survivors.
The UN estimates last year's conflict left one million explosive remnants of war in Lebanon.
As well as endangering lives, these have made large tracts of land inaccessible for crop harvesting.
Australia is a global leader in mine clearance activities and is already funding activities in this area in Lebanon.
Australia will participate in this week's Lebanon donor support conference in Paris, and has committed up to $24 million to Lebanon for reconstruction since the conflict last year.
Media contacts:
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
Tony Parkinson (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500