MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
I am pleased to announce the launch of the new Peace, Conflict and
Development Policy which sets out how Australia, through our overseas aid
program, will play a greater role in promoting peace and reducing conflict in
the Asia Pacific region.
Australia has a strong track record of responding to conflict with
humanitarian and other assistance. This not only reflects our desire to help
others less fortunate than ourselves, but is also in the interest of all
Australians.
Recent events in our region and beyond have highlighted the fragility of
peace and stability in the face of poverty, inequality, undemocratic regimes,
ethnic tensions and weak state institutions.
In recognition of this the Australian aid program will place greater emphasis
on conflict prevention and peace building as well as post conflict recovery.
Conflict prevention and peace-building will be supported through assistance
to strengthen governance, reduce the presence and trafficking of small arms and
reduce rural-urban inequality. Post-conflict recovery will be facilitated
through the provision of support for peace and reconciliation processes,
demobilisation and the reintegration of ex-combatants, and by helping revive
economies battered by conflict.
In order to realise these aims, the aid program will assist broader
Government efforts to identify and address the root causes of instability in the
region. It will support and encourage dialogue between those in conflict and
those working towards the peaceful resolution of disputes. Assistance will
target communities to achieve and sustain peace at the local level. The aid
program will particularly encourage and support women to take on roles as
peace-brokers in areas experiencing conflict.
Along with these areas of heightened emphasis, the Australian aid program
will maintain its traditional role of providing humanitarian relief and
reconstruction. Where conflict already exists, Australia will work alongside
other multilateral agencies and non-government agencies to shape humanitarian
programs to support wider peace-building efforts and provide a sound platform
for transition from relief to development work.
These measures will strengthen Australia's effectiveness in promoting a more
peaceful Asia Pacific.
Contacts:
Craig Bildstien (Parliamentary Secretary's Office) 0407 604 437
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489