MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australia will provide a $1.5 million human rights package for South Asia,
the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, announced
today in Geneva at the 60th UN Commission on Human Rights.
'Human rights are best protected when a country has an effective and
independent legal system, an accountable public sector and sound economic
policies,' Mrs Gallus said.
'These programs in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are part of Australia's
commitment to human rights and governance as part of the South Asia Governance
Fund.
'Australia contributes more than $50 million to advancing human rights
and increasing awareness of their connection to poverty reduction.
'Human rights, good governance and development are closely linked and
countries that value human rights benefit from greater social and economic
stability.
'In Sri Lanka, funding aims to improve legal access by providing legal
and administrative training to village-level Sri Lankan government officials
acting as police officers and legal advisers.
'Funding will also develop and promote a code of ethics and educate
communities on their rights when dealing with judges, court officials and
police.
'Australian assistance in Bangladesh aims to establish a Human Rights
Commission and fund conferences and consultations.
'Bangladesh does not have permanent immigration officers and
Australian funding will also help the International Organisation for Migration
train officials to detect irregular migration,' Mrs Gallus said.
Mrs Gallus is representing Australia at the 60th United Nations Commission
on Human Rights in Geneva from 14-17 March 2004.
Mrs Gallus is available for interviews (6.00am to 8.00am AEST) on Wednesday
17 March.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mrs Gallus' Office) 02 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489
NB: Geneva is 10 hours behind AEST.