MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
The Australian Government has selected Australian NGOs and relief agencies to deliver more urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Sudan, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Bruce Billson, announced today.
'Australian humanitarian assistance is having an immediate impact on the lives of the innocent men, women and children caught up in this terrible human crisis,' Mr Billson said.
'The Australian Government has committed $20 million to help address the deteriorating situation in the Darfur region in western Sudan and stands ready to provide further assistance.
'More than $14 million of this commitment has already been allocated to relief agencies and the remaining $6 million in funding is being distributed to Australian NGOs and UN agencies to provide emergency supplies and sanitation and health care to victims,' Mr Billson said.
'As part of this latest funding allocation to Australian NGOs, CARE Australia, World Vision Australia and Oxfam Community Aid Abroad will each receive $500,000 for their humanitarian programs.
'The World Food Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund will each receive $1.5 million and the International Committee of the Red Cross will receive $500,000.
'The Australian Government is appalled by the humanitarian and human rights disaster in Darfur, and is committed to helping victims of the conflict,' Mr Billson said.
'Australia urges the Sudanese Government to work with the international community to ensure all humanitarian aid is distributed to those in need and that international aid workers are allowed to work without hindrance,' Mr Billson said.
'The Sudanese Government must comply with the UN Security Council Resolution 1556 and fulfill commitments made to the UN on 3 July to address the humanitarian, human rights and security situation in Darfur.
'The remaining one million dollars will be allocated shortly as international relief agencies get a clearer picture of needs,' Mr Billson said.
Media inquiries:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's Office) 02 6277 4879 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489