MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that I have today delivered a cheque for A$1 million
to Mrs Ogata, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help
finance the UNHCR's vital work in the former Yugoslavia.
The funds will be used in the UNHCR's shelter program which is repairing and
rebuilding houses in the war ravaged region. The UNHCR is the leading
international agency striving to assist in bringing about a return to normalcy
following the years of civil war which ended with the signing of the Dayton
Peace Accord in November 1995.
Of the 2 million people displaced by the war, UNHCR estimates that only 250
000 have been able to return to their homes since the peace agreement. The lack
of available housing has been a major impediment to repatriating refugees and
displaced people. For example, 60 per cent of the housing in Bosnia and
Herzegovina was damaged during the conflict.
Channelling Australian assistance through the UNHCR ensures that Australia's
aid will reach people most in need regardless of race or religion.
This grant brings the total humanitarian assistance provided by the
Australian Government's aid agency, AusAID, to the former Yugoslavia to A$10.5
million.
In addition to responding to particular appeals issued by UNHCR - such as
their appeal to assist in the former Yugoslavia which I have responded to today
- the Australian Government this year contributed A$13.5 million to the UNHCR's
general program budget.
GENEVA
Media contact: Peter Collins (Mr Downer's
Office) 06 277 7500/0411 414 695
Andrea McLaughlin (AusAID) 06 206
4966