MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce Australia will contribute to two international
appeals to assist with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Indonesia and
refugees from East Timor.
Australia is deeply concerned about the 1.3 million people whose lives have
been severely affected by communal conflict in parts of Indonesia. Many of these
conflicts are the result of uneven economic development and require complex
solutions in dealing with the consequences of local unrest. The ability of the
Indonesian Government to support large numbers of internally displaced persons
is severely limited by tight budgetary constraints.
The package I am announcing today will provide $8.5 million through various
UN Agencies and non-government organizations to help vulnerable groups among
internally displaced peoples, with particular emphasis on assistance for women
and children. The assistance package will include food aid, support for recovery
activities in Maluku, education assistance for children of internally displaced
persons, and school-based community reconciliation activities.
Australia will also contribute $6.6 million to assist the Indonesian
Government and the United Nations to find lasting solutions for up to 80,000
East Timorese still living in refugee camps in West Timor. Activities will
include an ongoing information campaign to inform East Timorese refugees on
conditions in East Timor, funding to help offset lost pension entitlements of
former Indonesian Government employees willing to return, and an enhanced
repatriation package including transport and food aid on return.
Media contacts:
Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489