MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia is providing a further $12 million to support Afghanistan's
transition towards stability and democracy. This latest assistance demonstrates
Australia's commitment to supporting international reconstruction and
humanitarian efforts.
Australia is also taking part in the 2005 Afghanistan Development Forum
currently underway in Kabul. A major focus of the Forum is on continuing
efforts to combat the production of illegal drugs in the country.
The Afghan Government is presenting its counter-narcotics strategy to the
Forum, and
Australia will provide $2 million to support international efforts to combat
opium cultivation.
From Australia's latest funding allocation, $5 million is also being
provided to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund to support the delivery
of basic services such as health, education, law and order, as well as
technical assistance to the Afghan Government.
We are providing $3 million the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
to assist in preparations for Parliamentary elections which are due in
September this year, and to provide support and training for senior Afghan
civil servants to enhance their leadership skills.
An additional $600,000 will be used by The Asia Foundation for electoral
capacity-building within Afghanistan's new Independent Electoral
Commission. The Foundation will use a model developed by the Australian
Electoral Commission and successfully implemented in other emerging democracies
such as East Timor and Cambodia.
The Australian Red Cross and CARE International will share $1.4 million in
direct support of humanitarian needs. Assistance through the Australian Red
Cross will support maternal and child health and will enable the Afghan Red
Crescent Society to maintain health clinics throughout the country.
CARE International is providing valuable educational services and facilities
by working with communities in remote areas where government services are not
yet available.
Since September 2001, Australian assistance to Afghanistan totals $110
million. The Australian Government remains committed to assisting the people of
Afghanistan to rebuild their nation after more than two decades of
conflict.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590