MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Australia will provide $1 million to deliver emergency humanitarian assistance to people adversely
affected following the conflict in Georgia.
The recent conflict has caused the displacement of over 100,000 people according to estimates by both
the Government of Georgia and the Russian Federation.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reports 2,000 dead and a further 3,500 injured.
To help address immediate humanitarian needs, Australia has committed $500,000 to the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide urgently needed relief to the displaced
including shelter, blankets and water.
A further $500,000 has been allocated to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the
immediate provision of medical supplies to hospitals and the deployment of field hospitals for critical
surgery in Gori and South Ossetia.
ICRC assistance will also include distribution of hygiene kits and access to clean drinking water.
Australia has also agreed to the deployment of two Australian humanitarian technical experts to
support the United Nations Childrens' Fund, UNICEF, in restoring water and sanitation to affected
areas.
UNHCR and ICRC are well-established in Georgia including South Ossetia and Abkahzia. Their
ongoing support in these areas dates from the 1992 conflict.
Australia is concerned that despite the announcement of a ceasefire agreement which commits both
sides to a cessation of all hostilities and the withdrawal of troops to positions held before the conflict
broke out, there have been reports of ongoing military action by Russian forces.
Australia calls on Russia to honour the terms of the ceasefire, respect the territorial integrity of
Georgia and resolve its differences with Georgia through peaceful means.
The military action taken by Russia has been disproportionate and has resulted in widespread damage
and heavy casualties.
Australia looks to both Georgia and Russia to immediately implement the terms of the ceasefire
agreement so as to ensure that conditions on the ground are safe for the immediate and effective
delivery of aid.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to advise Australians not to travel to Georgia.
Mr Smith's Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
Departmental : (02) 6261 1555