MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australia will contribute $10 million to a United Nations humanitarian appeal
for Indonesia and $2.5 million to help feed victims of famine in Ethiopia and
Eritrea.
The contributions were announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary for
Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, at the global launch of the UN's 2003
Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP).
Australia's contribution for Indonesia will go towards education and
peacebuilding programs in post-conflict areas, operational costs of UN
humanitarian programs and for purchase and transport of Australian rice as food
aid for vulnerable groups.
Funds for Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the Australian rice aid for Indonesia,
will be contributed through the World Food Programme (WFP).
'At its core, humanitarian assistance addresses a fundamental responsibility
we all share,' Mrs Gallus said during a launch ceremony at Parliament House,
Canberra.
The 2003 Appeal was launched by the UN Under Secretary-General for
Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Kenzo Oshima, who is the UN's Emergency Relief
Coordinator.
Mrs Gallus said Australia had been chosen as a host nation for the 2003
global launch because of its record as a donor.
'Australians contribute generously to humanitarian needs, especially in the
region, through our official aid program and through philanthropic
organisations,' she said.
Since 1996, Australia has contributed $285 million globally for humanitarian
work by the UN, while the total of Australian emergency assistance to Indonesia
now stands at more than $107 million.
'The main focus of Australia's overall overseas development program, of
course, has been the Asia-Pacific region,' Mrs Gallus said.
Media contacts:
Craig Bildstien (Office of Mrs Gallus) 0407 604 437
Jo
Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489