Advertisement

Australia's $20 Million Aid to Pakistan, Burma

AAP Created: Nov 20, 2009 Last Updated: Nov 20, 2009
Print | E-mail to a friend | Give feedback
Related articles: Australia > National
Burqa-clad internally displaced Pakistani tribeswoman, fleeing from military operations against Taliban militants arrive at an aid distribution point. (Farooq Naeem/AFP/Getty Images)
BRISBANE—Australia has responded to an urgent call for support from the World Food Program (WFP) with $5 million for people suffering due to conflict in northwest Pakistan.

More than one million people remain displaced by fighting between militants and government forces, including up to 400,000 affected by recent military operations in South Waziristan.

The WFP delivers assistance to more than 10 million people across Pakistan, often in difficult and dangerous conditions.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Australia condemned the ongoing attacks on the Pakistani people, including this week's roadside bomb in Peshawar in which at least three policemen were killed - the second attack in the the northwestern city in less than 24 hours.

"These are callous attacks and Australia extends condolences to the government of Pakistan and to the Pakistani people for the serious loss of life which has occurred," Mr Smith said.

"Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan government in its efforts to stare down extremism, including through its offensive in South Waziristan."

Farmers working on their field in Bagan, Burma. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Australia will provide $15 million in humanitarian aid for Burmese people still suffering from the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis.

The cyclone killed an estimated 140,000 people and severely affected another two million Burmese when it struck in May last year.

More than two-thirds of the $15 million aid package will be directed towards water and sanitation needs and improving food security for thousands of families.

About $4 million will be spent on education for children, child health services and support for ASEAN's role in the co-ordination of relief efforts.


 
Advertisement