MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce a new initiative to assist developing countries to
establish and strengthen democratic institutions.
The Australian Government will commit up to $5 million over the next five
years to establish an Australian Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI).
The CDI will provide practical, expert assistance to developing countries
through formal training programs, institutional visits and short-term
secondments to Australian institutions.
The Government considers that democratic institutions play a key role in
achieving and sustaining economic and social development. The development of
democratic processes and practices requires a range of skills and resources
throughout society.
The CDI's programs will cater for parliamentarians, members of the judiciary
and legal profession, public servants, and key people from broader civil society
such as members of the media, community groups and non government organisations.
The Centre will be an important part of Australia's aid program,
complementing and supporting many other projects that are directed at promoting
democracy, good governance and human rights in developing countries. It
will have the capacity to tailor assistance programs to meet the specific
requirements of individual developing countries.
The Centre will be guided by an consultative board made up of representatives
of key government and non government organisations interested in the promotion
of human rights and democracy.
Media contact:
Innes Willox (Minister's office) 02 6277 7500 / 0411 414695 Geoff Adlide
(AusAID) 02 6206 4967
(Note: copies of Mr Downer's speech'Promoting good governance and human
rights through the aid program'containing more detail of the CDI are
available)