MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Today, on Human Rights Day and the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Australia will contribute $1.5 million to projects promoting human rights in 19 countries across the Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
On 10 December 1948, Australia joined 47 other countries to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For 60 years Australia has been a leading proponent of the Declaration's consistent and comprehensive implementation.
Australia's commitment to the aims and purposes of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an underlying principle of Australia's engagement with the international community.
The Declaration gives global expression to the basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled and provides a standard to which all nations can be held to account.
Protection and promotion of the human rights enshrined in the Declaration is vital to global efforts to achieve lasting peace and security and freedom and dignity for all.
The $1.5m will assist non-government organisations promote good governance, access to justice, gender equality, disability rights, child protection and combating human trafficking.
Australia has a strong record in the protection and promotion of international human rights.
Through our aid program, the Australian Government is assisting partner Governments to respect, protect and fulfil their international human rights obligations.
For further information on the new activities to be funded, see attachment:
Human Rights Small Grants Scheme: Successful Proposals 2008-09
Media Contacts:
Mr Smith's Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590