MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Today I attended the United Nations sponsored International Conference on Afghanistan in The Hague.
I welcome the Conference focus on the need to better integrate international military and civilian efforts across Afghanistan.
Australia considers a major civilian effort is critical to success in Afghanistan. In addition to our involvement in army and police training Australia is committed to building the capacity of the Afghan Government to manage its own affairs through our international development assistance program.
Australia will provide $21 million to support the Afghan Government to deliver national programs in health, education, rural development and microfinance.
The funding will be provided through the World Bank's Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund.
Australian support to the Trust Fund has already contributed to improvements across the country and in Oruzgan province by bringing schools, roads, drinking water and other basic services to rural communities.
Australia's assistance through the Trust Fund includes help to increase school enrolment, fund 26,000 rural infrastructure projects, fix 9,000 km of road, and build 70 schools in Oruzgan.
The Conference is also focussed on the importance of Afghanistan's neighbours.
Australia recognises that Pakistan is critical to a long-term solution in Afghanistan and that the problem of terrorism and extremism in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area has major regional and international security implications.
Australia will also provide $3 million to international agencies in Pakistan to help meet the urgent humanitarian needs of people displaced by rising conflict. This will support efforts by the international community to bring stability and security to the border region with Afghanistan.
Ongoing fighting between Pakistan Government forces and militants has displaced up to 700,000 people in North West Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Australia will contribute $2 million to the United Nations and $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide emergency food rations, health services, safe water and other support to the affected communities.