MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
The overwhelming view coming out of the FAO Food Security Conference in Rome this week is the need for international coordination and cooperation in the long term approach to food security.
This action needs to include a balance between immediate humanitarian assistance and a range of longer-term actions to address the underlying causes of food insecurity in developing countries, particularly the low-income food-deficit countries.
The Australian Government is developing a comprehensive long-term action plan for food security which will draw on our expertise in semi-arid agriculture research, production and adaptation.
It is unfortunate that there may always be a need for emergency food relief.
Australia has a proud history of responding to food crises around the world. Australia has provided over $1 billion to the WFP since it established in 1963.
As an immediate response to the world food situation, the Australian Government announced a $30 million contribution to the emergency appeal of the World Food Programme (WFP) to address critical gaps in its food aid operations as a result of rising food and fuel prices.
This funding for the emergency appeal is in addition to Australia's ongoing substantial contributions to the WFP in 2007-08.
Australia's humanitarian aid continues to be provided on the basis of need and as result Australia remains engaged in aid activities even in States where diplomatic relations are strained.
The Australian Government's latest response of further food assistance will be directed to the ongoing problems in Pakistan, Zimbabwe and North Korea.
This assistance is based on an urgent humanitarian need and it reflects again the fact that the Australia Government takes its obligations as a good international citizen very seriously.
Pakistan
Australia will provide $9.25 million over two years for food aid to Pakistan to help address severe food shortages.
The funds will also go towards improving access to basic health and education services for one million Pakistanis, primarily women and children.
This support from the Australian Government is in response to an urgent request from the WFP and Government of Pakistan.
Australia's contribution will target the poorest and most marginalised populations living along the border with Afghanistan in Balochistan Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
This food aid will be used not only to improve the nutrition and health status of children, pregnant and lactating women, but will also increase children's access to education through on-site nutrition at schools, including the provision of take home rations for girls and boys attending primary school.
Zimbabwe
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, the Australian Government will provide further assistance of $8 million to the people of Zimbabwe.
Through the Australian Fund for Zimbabwe, Australia will contribute a further $8 million to the WFP for essential food aid.
President Mugabe's policies in Zimbabwe have ravaged food production and living conditions, and around four million Zimbabweans were dependent on international food aid in March 2008.
The Australian Government is of the strong view that regardless of its position on the Mugabe regime, the suffering of the Zimbabwean people cannot be ignored.
Australia is open to re-engaging with any Zimbabwean Government that respects the will of the people and is committed to genuine political and economic reform.
The Australian Government will support coordinated donor efforts for Zimbabwe's reintegration into the international community when conditions are appropriate.
North Korea
Australia will provide $2 million in additional food aid to the people of North Korea in response to the deteriorating food security situation.
Australia is concerned about reports that increasing food insecurity could push North Korea into a humanitarian crisis.
The Australian Government's contribution to the WFP is in response to UN appeals to the international community to support its operations in North Korea to help prevent a slide backwards into famine conditions.
Australia's assistance will enable the purchase and distribution of about 1000 metric tonnes of pulses and 400 metric tonnes of vegetable oil.
In August 2007, Australia responded quickly to food needs for communities affected by the devastating floods with a contribution of $4 million for emergency relief. The Government has also made recent contributions of $1 million to UNICEF for water and sanitation, and $300,000 to World Health Organisation for contagious disease surveillance.
Background Information
Pakistan assistance
Situated in remote and rugged terrain on Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, the province of Balochistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas are the most poorly developed and food insecure regions in Pakistan. The decline in rainfall over the past decade has reduced agricultural incomes and employment.
When combined with low literacy rates, poor health indicators and a lack of viable economic alternatives, livelihood options for the poor have been significantly reduced.
AusAID provides assistance to Pakistan in partnership with the Government of Pakistan. Bilateral programs focus on improving health and education, supporting reconstruction after the 2005 earthquake, building agricultural linkages between Australia and Pakistan, and providing scholarships at Australian institutions.
Australia will provide an estimated $25 million in development assistance to Pakistan in 2007-08.
Zimbabwe assistance
Australia provided an additional $2 million to the WFP for Zimbabwe in March and, after the recent crop harvest, the WFP has estimated an increased need for assistance in the coming year.
Australia will provide an estimated $116 million in official development assistance to Africa in 2008-09.
North Korea assistance
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has advised that North Korea faces a food shortfall. This is in part due to high crop losses caused by massive floods in August and September last year.
Australian humanitarian assistance to North Korea delivered via international agencies, goes to help address the grave humanitarian situation facing the North Korean people. It is not, therefore, linked to the nuclear issue or other political considerations.
Australia looks to North Korea to implement its commitments under the Six-Party Talks, not least the provision of a complete and correct declaration of its nuclear programs. Continued progress by North Korea in meeting its commitments will allow us to consider developing the bilateral relationship, including through provision of bilateral development assistance to North Korea.
This latest assistance will bring Australia's total humanitarian assistance to North Korea in 2007-08 to $8 million.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555