MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the Australian Government is to provide $6 million
in humanitarian assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
to help alleviate hunger and malnutrition amongst its most vulnerable people.
This assistance will be provided through the World Food Programme (WFP) and
UNICEF.
Although in recent years harvests have improved, the DPRK still expects a
shortfall of nearly 1.5 million tonnes of food this year. According to the WFP
and other aid donors about 6 million North Koreans are at risk of malnutrition.
Australia's contribution will enable approximately 11,400 tonnes of wheat to
be bought from Australian farmers and shipped to North Korea for local
consumption. This is in addition to the 10,700 tonnes of Australian wheat which
arrived in DPRK in October 2001 following an earlier contribution of $5 million.
Both have been channelled through WFP.
In addition to the latest contribution, a further $500,000 will be allocated
to WFP's operations to purchase sugar and another $500,000 to UNICEF to buy
vitamins and minerals.
Sugar, vitamins and minerals are key ingredients in fortified food and
biscuits for young children and are vital for their immune systems. These
biscuits and blended foods are made by WFP- and UNICEF-supported factories in
DPRK.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 62777 500 / 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489