MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will contribute an additional $60 million this financial year to assist East Timor's humanitarian and reconstruction needs.
The Australian Government remains deeply concerned about the serious situation facing the East Timorese people. Humanitarian agencies have identified huge needs for emergency relief in both East and West Timor and for reconstruction of East Timor.
Every aspect of economy and society in East Timor has been affected by militia violence - 70 percent of homes need to be rebuilt, health centres and schools need to be repaired, crops planted, public services restored, communities brought back to life.
Together with the $14 million previously committed this is the largest ever contribution to an international humanitarian crisis by Australia.
As a first step, $23 million will be provided through United Nations (UN) agencies to meet immediate humanitarian needs. This funding will provide for repatriation and resettlement. Materials will be provided to assist rebuild homes such as supplies of timber, roofing iron, nails and handtools. This is a priority given the onset of the wet season.
Programs will be funded which address basic education and health needs such as child immunisation, malaria prevention, training of mid-wives and the re-establishment of schools.
$3 million will also be provided for refugee and local communities in Indonesian West Timor. This will support emergency health, nutrition and water and sanitation programs in these communities.
The remaining funds will be used to support longer term reconstruction and development programs and establish a simple administration under United Nations authority to oversee East Timor's preparations for independence. Decisions on the allocation of these funds will be made after more detailed analysis of longer term reconstruction and development needs.
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