MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia is to contribute an additional $4 million to the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its work with victims of conflict.
The ICRC is a key partner in the Australian Government's humanitarian
assistance program, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia has
contributed more than $10 million annually to ICRC activities since 2000 and is
a member of the ICRC Donor Support Group.
Australia's support for the ICRC has helped to deliver many benefits in a
wide range of countries, including humanitarian relief and support for the
peace process in the Solomon Islands, assistance for displaced people in
Indonesia and the Philippines, and support for the refurbishment and management
of the Dili Hospital in East Timor.
The ICRC is also an important partner in delivering Australia's commitment
for global mine action support, particularly in the areas of victim
rehabilitation and mine awareness.
In a recent exchange of letters Australia and the ICRC committed to the
strengthening of Red Cross Societies, the promotion of international
humanitarian law and the protection of victims of conflict, particularly in the
Asia-Pacific.
It is a pleasure to welcome Dr Jakob Kellenberger on his first official
visit to Australia (30 November - 4 December) as President of the ICRC. I look
forward to our discussions on humanitarian issues in our region.
The additional funding I have announced will enable the ICRC to continue its
humanitarian mission to protect the lives and dignity of victims of conflict
and to promote humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.
I would also like to confirm that Australia will host the 2004 ICRC Donor
Support Group Meeting.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489