MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australia will continue its longstanding support for human rights around the world with a further $720,000 contribution to groups in need, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Bruce Billson, announced today on UN Human Rights Day.
'Australia has long been committed to promoting and protecting human rights internationally and this latest assistance will help organisations make a difference to the lives of ordinary people,' Mr Billson said.
'Protecting and promoting human rights is fundamental to people being able to be all they can be and for countries to fully realise their own potential. They are also integral to reducing poverty as people need to build their livelihoods and live securely feeling safe.
'The Australian Government, through our overseas aid agency AusAID, will provide funding to help grassroots organisations undertake projects to help local communities in developing countries,' Mr Billson said.
'These projects, as part of the Human Rights Small Grants Scheme, will complement Australia's aid focus on good governance and work to combat domestic violence, child abuse and people trafficking by improving the recognition and protection of women and children's rights.
'Training in human rights will also be delivered to those in the justice system, including lawyers, magistrates and police and other initiatives aim to create legal awareness through community-based workshops and the introduction of human rights education at schools,' Mr Billson said.
Today is the 57th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly.
See attachment: Human Rights Small Grants Scheme Successful Proposals 2005-2006 [PDF - 17KB]
Media contact:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590
To view files marked PDF you need Acrobat Reader, available as a free download (see also the 'About this site' link below).