MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I deplore the attacks on refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border which
destroyed the homes and belongings of an estimated 10 000 ethnic Karen refugees.
The attacks were carried out by forces associated with Burma's State Law and
Order Council and I call on the Burmese government to use its influence to
ensure that there are no further attacks of this type on the border camps.
In these circumstances of increased hardship for refugees already living in
difficult conditions I am pleased to announce that Australia will provide a
further $800 000 in humanitarian relief to Burmese refugees who are situated in
camps along the Burma/Thai border.
The aid is for over 100 000 refugees composed of largely the Karen ethnic
minority but also the Mon and Karenni peoples. These peoples have been made
refugees as a result of the continued military activity in ethnic minority
'states' of Burma.
The money will provide food, mosquito nets, firewood, blankets, and basic
health care. The assistance is designed to promote self-sufficiency and assist
the refugees in establishing their own health system.
$600 000 is going to the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) as
part of their work with the Burmese Border Consortium (BBC) who currently
provide all the food and relief assistance to the refugees. As well as providing
a survival level of food and relief items, their program aims to help preserve
the cultural identity of the refugees through its emphasis on
self-sufficiency.
A further $200 000 has been allocated to Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors
Without Borders) to provide medical assistance to reduce the spread of
communicable diseases and improve sanitation. These activities include malaria
control, immunisations, and the development of adequate sanitation facilities to
reduce the prevalence of disease in the camps.
Media
contact: Peter Collins (Mr Downer's Office) 06 277 7500/0411 414 695
John
Munro (AusAID) 06 206 4695