MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Commonwealth Government will provide $10 million to assist United
Nations' agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross to prepare
for humanitarian relief operations in Iraq.
Australia hopes a peaceful resolution of the current crisis will be achieved.
The UN Secretary General has confirmed that the UN is undertaking contingency
planning to address possible humanitarian concerns for the Iraqi people and
requires urgent funding for this purpose.
Australia has a proud record of assisting countries with humanitarian and
emergency aid. This contribution is also consistent with Australia's
long-standing commitment to supporting the UN's central role in Iraq.
Once the Iraqi crisis is resolved, the UN and ICRC would play a critical role
in the delivery of emergency relief and reconstruction, regardless of whether or
not there is military conflict.
Australia's assistance will enable these agencies to provide the people of
Iraq with urgent humanitarian assistance, including food, water and sanitation,
and health care.
Australia's $10 million contribution will be for the following:
- $6 million will be committed to the Central Emergency Revolving Fund,
which is an existing contingency resource for UN operational agencies to
assist emergency relief and humanitarian operations - $2 million will be committed to the UN Office for Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which is responsible for coordinating
humanitarian assistance and an agency that Australia has long supported - $2 million will be committed to the ICRC. The ICRC has a well-respected
role in helping provide essential humanitarian assistance while adhering to
the core humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality.
In addition to this initial financial support for humanitarian activities,
Australia will consult with UN agencies to see if it can provide further support
by mobilising suitably qualified aid personnel. Australia has a well-respected
and high level of expertise and skills in the planning and delivery of
humanitarian relief.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 6277 7500 or 0419 206890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489