MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Landmine victims in Cambodia will receive Australian rehabilitation support,
Australia's Special Representative for Mine Action, Mrs Chris Gallus,
announced today as part of Landmine Action Week (May 14-23).
'Cambodia has more than 800 landmine victims a year and this
contribution of $1.6 million, to the Special Mine Action Appeal of the
International Committee of the Red Cross, will improve healthcare and
rehabilitation for victims,' Mrs Gallus said.
'Australian Government funding will also support community based
education programs in Cambodia to raise landmine awareness, particularly among
young people.
'Landmines cause more than 15,000 casualties each year in 65 countries
with 85 per cent of victims being civilians,' Mrs Gallus said.
'As well as the tragic loss of life and injury, there is also a
significant impact on development as land becomes unusable and communities are
faced with the long term burden of caring for victims.
'Australia is a leading contributor to international mine clearance,
awareness and victim assistance, and has provided $100 million over the past
decade to help countries in our region and around the world,' Mrs Gallus
said.
'Australian funding to the International Campaign to Ban
Landmines-Australian Network will also help eight young people from the region
attend the World Youth Leadership Symposium on Mine Action in Kenya later this
year.
'The Australian Government works closely with the international
community including United Nations agencies and non-government organisations to
help rid the world of landmines,' Mrs Gallus said.
Australia was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the 1997 Ottawa
Convention on Landmines and is currently co-chair of the Ottawa Convention
Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mrs Gallus' Office) 6277 4840 or 0408 680
442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489