MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Australia will contribute $38 million through the United Nations to improve the positive impact and effectiveness of our humanitarian aid.
Australia will provide:
- $26 million over four years in partnership with the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA); and
- $12 million to the United Nation's Central Emergency Response Fund.
These contributions will support immediate responses to global humanitarian disasters and crises and ensure the needs of adversely affected communities are addressed.
The Central Emergency Response Fund, administered by UNOCHA, is the UN's frontline agency for coordinating humanitarian assistance.
In 2008, the Fund distributed over $US400 million to humanitarian crises in over 55 countries across the world.
Next year, demands for humanitarian assistance will only increase given the combined effects of the world food crisis and numerous natural disasters.
The $26 million partnership with UNOCHA forms part of Australia's overall $200 million investment over four years through UN agencies and recognises the critical role they play in leading global efforts in addressing the Millennium Development Goals.
Media Contacts:
Mr Smith's Office: 02 6277 7500 or 0407 473 630 (Adam Siddique)
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590