MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Australia will commit an additional $4.5 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians caught up in the conflict in northern Sri Lanka. This assistance will provide urgent support including medical supplies, shelter, water and sanitation.
The support will be delivered through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ($1.5 million), the International Organization for Migration ($1.5 million), International Committee of the Red Cross ($1.0 million) and RED R Australia, an Australian NGO which supports UNICEF in the delivery of water, sanitation, and shelter ($0.5 million).
The $4.5 million package is additional to the $9 million in humanitarian support and food aid Australia has allocated to Sri Lanka since December last year.
Australia restates its view that the safety and protection of civilians must be the absolute priority for all sides engaged in fighting in northern Sri Lanka.
Australia has consistently made clear its deep concern about the humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka and agrees with the Secretary General that the UN humanitarian team in Sri Lanka should be given full access to the conflict zone to assess the full extent of the civilian situation in the area.
Media Contacts:
Mr Smith's Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
Departmental : (02) 6261 1555