MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
Violence and abuse against women and girls will never be tolerated, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, said today.
'It is the fundamental right of every individual, man or woman, to be able to live in peace, without violence and without the threat or fear of violence,' Mr Billson said.
'Although impunity for crimes against women in some societies still exists, Australia is committed to working with our Pacific partners to seek justice for women.
'Through AusAID, the Australian Government is providing funds to the Women's Crisis Centre in Fiji which is now a regional network that serves other Pacific countries, including Vanuatu.
'The Fiji centre's vigorous lobbying on human rights issues has had a significant impact on attitudes towards violence against women and children in Fiji.
'Australia also continues to be very active in promoting a positive role for women in conflict situations and peace-building, with women being highly effective as peace-builders in Bougainville and Solomon Islands,' Mr Billson said.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that in helping developing countries in the region to reduce poverty, Australia's overseas aid program targeted the needs of women and those affected by violence, including trafficking in women and girls.
'Violence against women is the worst form of gender discrimination and occurs when men and women do not equally enjoy the same rights.
'Since the launch of the Australian Government's overseas development gender policy in 1997, Australia has supported more than 500 activities that specifically support the role of women,' Mr Billson said.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's Office) (02) 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489