MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will provide $1 million in emergency food aid for Zimbabwe through the World Food Programme. This assistance comes on top of Australia's $3 million contribution to international humanitarian aid relief efforts for Zimbabwe in 2005-2006.
With 80 per cent of Zimbabwe's population living under the poverty line and more than eight million people unemployed as a consequence of the Zimbabwean Government's disastrous policies, humanitarian assistance is needed urgently.
Australia is at the forefront of international action against the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe, including through the imposition of targeted sanctions against key supporters of the regime. But we continue to provide humanitarian assistance to help the people of Zimbabwe, who are the victims of their government's human rights abuses and gross economic mismanagement.
While the Australian Government strongly condemns the policies of the Mugabe Government, it recognises the desperate need of millions of ordinary Zimbabweans. Australia will continue to closely monitor the humanitarian situation throughout Africa and respond to priority needs in coordination with other donors.
Media contacts:
Tony Parkinson (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590