MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Government has announced that Australia has committed $100 million to
humanitarian relief for the people of Iraq.
This commitment continues Australia's support for UN humanitarian appeals,
including its Flash Appeal for Iraq.
Australia's food aid, through the 100,000 tonnes of Australian wheat, will
contribute $83 million to the UN Flash Appeal.
This covers the cost of the wheat and its shipping to Iraq ($38m) as well as
milling and bagging and the challenging task of distribution ($45m).
Ensuring urgent supplies get to the most vulnerable across harsh terrain in a
country in conflict is complex and difficult. It is also vital that we are
successful in distributing the food effectively and quickly to those most in
need.
AusAID officials in Kuwait are working closely with the World Food Programme
(WFP), which has played a major role in Iraq for many years and has the most
appropriate and effective distribution mechanisms already in place.
As soon as security allows, we expect WFP to start distribution to the needy
in Iraq.
These latest commitments build on our earlier contribution $17.5 million,
which is being provided to UN agencies, including UNHCR and UNICEF, as well as
the Red Cross/Crescent and Australian NGOs.
Australia's contribution so far is a tangible demonstration of our commitment
to meet the vital humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) (02) 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489