MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Hunt
The Australian Government today announced a major boost in efforts to improve the effectiveness of mine action programs in our region.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Greg Hunt, announced $1.5 million to support the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining.
Mr Hunt said the funding to the Centre would strengthen a partnership that will help to improve the management and cost-effectiveness of mine clearance.
'They will assist mine-affected countries in the Asia-Pacific region prioritise mine clearance to ensure the benefits are maximised, particularly for the poor and vulnerable,' Mr Hunt said.
Mr Hunt said this initiative complements the strengthening of the Australian Government's resolve to play a leading role in the negotiation of an international agreement to ban cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilian populations.
'Australia will take a dual track approach to both the Oslo and Certain Conventional Weapons processes that are currently under way,' Mr Hunt said.
Mr Hunt said the funding to the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining would also assist it to support international conventions tackling landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
The Centre is an independent foundation which is recognised as a global leader in mine action.
It works towards eliminating landmines and reducing the humanitarian impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Mr Hunt, Australia's Special Representative on Mine Action, announced the funding ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the adoption of the Mine Ban Convention on 18 September 1997.
'The Australian Government is a leading contributor to international mine action efforts,' Mr Hunt said.
'Our committed approach to banning landmines demonstrates our resolve to take a leading role on the cluster munitions issue.
'Australia has provided support to survivors through mine action funding totalling $21.9 million in 2006-07 as part of our five-year, $75 million pledge,' Mr Hunt said.
Media contacts:
John Deller (Mr Hunt's office) on 0400 496 596
AusAID Public Affairs on 0417 680 590