MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I have announced a further Australian contribution of $3 million in
humanitarian assistance to refugees in the Palestinian territories. The UN
Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) will receive $2 million and $1 million will be
allocated to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
These contributions are part of the continuing humanitarian and development
assistance that Australia provides to the Palestinian people. They bring total
estimated aid flows to the Palestinian people in 2003-2004 to $11 million.
Australia's contributions will be covered by an agreement between
Australia and UNRWA which I signed with the Commissioner General of UNRWA, Mr
Peter Hansen.
Funding through UNRWA will go towards food aid, employment generation,
shelter reconstruction and emergency health and education. UNRWA currently
provides food aid to more than one million refugees in the Palestinian
Territories. The agency has a highly effective field presence and the necessary
infrastructure to carry out such work.
I am pleased that previous Australian funding was used by UNRWA in emergency
renovation work at the Aida Girls' School in Bethlehem, which I saw during
my visit.
Our assistance to the ICRC will help it promote respect for International
Humanitarian Law on both sides of the conflict.
Further assistance in the areas of agriculture and rural development could
be made available should there be genuine progress towards implementing the
'Roadmap'. Agriculture, which provides an important source of food
security, employment and income generation, has been severely affected by the
conflict. Australia would be well placed to offer additional support.
Peace between Israel and the Palestinian people is possible. I would urge
all parties to work together to bring an end to hostilities and give the
'Roadmap' to peace the chance to succeed.
Mr Downer is visiting the Middle East from 25-29 January 2004.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489