MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Tougher prosecution of offenders will help the regional fight against
trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation and labour, the
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, announced today
on International Women's Day.
'Australia will contribute a further $200,000 to help stop this
despicable crime and to raise awareness of the brutal trade in Nepal, Sri Lanka
and India,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The United Nations estimates that 200,000 women and children are
trafficked each year in Asia.
'The new project will focus on assisting countries of the subcontinent
prosecute offenders,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The project will also aim to improve regional police and judicial
understanding of the impact of trafficking.
'The project will raise awareness that trafficking of women and children
for sexual exploitation in South Asia contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS
through high risk sexual activities,' Mrs Gallus said.
'More than 42 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, over half of them
are women.
'Australia works with partner countries to combat trafficking and
violence against women and children,' Mrs Gallus said.
'The Australian Government has committed $24 million over six years to
counter people smuggling, trafficking in women and related transnational crime
in the Asia-Pacific region.
'In 2003-04 the Australian Government, through AusAID, is providing an
estimated $55 million to address gender inequalities,' Mrs Gallus
said.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mrs Gallus' office) 02 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489