MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
AusAID
Australia Hosts Global Launch of the United Nations Appeal
United Nations Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Kenzo
Oshima launched the United Nations' Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals 2003 in
Canberra today.
USG Oshima is here on behalf of the United Nations Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) to host the Canberra launch,
which is supported by AusAID - The Australian Government's Overseas Aid
Program.
The Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals are an annual event aimed at
coordinating international responses to humanitarian crises. This year, 20
appeals are being launched under the theme Hope for the Future focusing on the
needs of countries emerging from conflict. Canberra is one of nine cities world
wide, including New York, Brussels and Tokyo, to participate in the global
launch - that aims to achieve greater efficiency, less overlap and better use of
donor resources in times of humanitarian emergencies.
USG Oshima's visit recognises Australia's significant contribution to
humanitarian assistance programs in Asia and the Pacific. It also acknowledges
Australia's long history of cooperation and partnership with the UN OCHA and its
ongoing commitment to promote peace and stability and address issues of conflict
in the region.
Particularly relevant to the launch is Australia's Peace, Conflict and
Development Cooperation Policy launched in June 2002 and Australia's
humanitarian and emergency program in Asia and the Pacific. Special emphasis
will be placed on assistance provided to Indonesia, which is the focus for the
Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals to be launched at the Canberra event.
In Indonesia, Australia has provided approximately A$107.7 million since 1997
to address humanitarian crises. Much of this assistance has been provided to
assist the victims of sporadic and more protracted outbreaks of violent
conflict, which has affected many parts of the archipelago. The cost of these
conflicts, in both financial terms and human suffering, has been immense.
The Peace, Conflict and Development Cooperation Policy recognises that more
than three quarters of Australia's aid is directed to countries that are
vulnerable to, experiencing or recovering from conflict as well as recognising
the strong links between conflict and poverty. The policy is a significant shift
in traditional development approaches and prioritises conflict prevention and
peace building while maintaining a commitment to more traditional humanitarian
relief and reconstruction. Australia's humanitarian and emergency program,
conducted in partnership with other international agencies and Australian NGOs,
aims to mitigate the adverse impacts of conflict, natural and other disasters on
vulnerable populations.
Media Contacts:
Jo Elsom - AusAID (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489
Scott
Maclean (02) 9552 2744 or 0411 406
Liz McLaughlin (02) 9552 2744 or 0411 816
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