MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will help provide landmine awareness training for people in Kosovo and for Kosovar evacuees in Australia before they return to their homeland.
Returning Kosovars are in danger of death and injury from landmines, cluster bombs and booby traps. People have died as they work on their farms, collect water or walk through their village. More than half the casualties are young people, with almost one-third of them children less than 4 years of age.
In an effort to reduce the high number of casualties Australia will help educate people about the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) through the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS). UNMAS has responsibility for the implementation of an integrated Mine Action Program in Kosovo. It has established a Mine Action Coordinating Centre in Pristina for the planning and coordination of mine/UXO related activities including surveying, mine marking, mine awareness education and mine/UXO clearance.
Kosovar refugees departing Australia immediately are receiving basic mine awareness training. More comprehensive training will be provided to the rest prior to their return. It is intended that two to three people from each safe haven will be trained as trainers. They will then run training courses within the havens as well as within their communities following their return to Kosovo, helping others avoid the dangers of landmines and unexploded bombs.
Australia will provide $420,000 to UNMAS, and $80,000 for training of Kosovar refugees in Australia.
This new assistance is additional to the $6 million already provided for humanitarian assistance in Kosovo. It will be provided through the Australian Government's overseas aid agency, AusAID, as part of its emergency and humanitarian relief operations.
Media contacts:
Innes Willox (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Matt Francis (02) 6206 4960 or 0417 683 126