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MEDIA
RELEASE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ALEXANDER DOWNER
 27
June 2003
I am pleased to announce the allocation of over $6.3
million of Australian funds to meet ongoing humanitarian
and recovery needs in Afghanistan, bringing our total
assistance to Afghanistan since September 2001 to almost
$79 million.
This assistance, to be delivered through the Afghan
Reconstruction Trust Fund and selected UN agencies,
is enhancing the ability of the Afghan Government to
build a functioning and stable state through the provision
of essential services to the people of Afghanistan.
Australia's aid to Afghanistan has been generous and
is targeted at priority needs including health, mine
action, food security, basic education, and assistance
for displaced and returning Afghans.
I was pleased to be able to discuss our program during
this week's visit to Australia by the Afghan Minister
for Refugee Affairs, Mr Nazari.
To support the daily operations of the Afghan Transitional
Administration, Australia will contribute $4 million
to the Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund. The Fund is
currently a major source of revenue for the Afghan Transitional
Administration, allowing it to employ teachers, health
workers and public officials and to fund essential services.
In addition, over $2.1 million has been allocated to
UN agencies to assist in recovery efforts, principally
in the areas of mine action, female health, and for
reforms to Afghanistan's banking system. Funding includes:
" $1 million to the UN Mine Action Service in Afghanistan
- to help clear landmines in populated areas and to
allow the safe delivery of humanitarian aid;
" Over $850,000 to UNICEF's Afghanistan Safe Motherhood
Program - to provide support for emergency maternal
health services in Afghanistan's western region; and
" $250,000 to UNDP to enhance the capacity of Afghanistan's
Central Bank.
Australia has also contributed $200,000 to the Information
Counselling and Referral Service for Afghan Returnees
to assist returnees reintegrate back into Afghan society.
Australia remains committed to assisting reconstruction
efforts after more than 20 years of conflict, especially
Afghanistan's capacity to meet basic needs and to restore
basic services to its people.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419
206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489
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