MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
STEPHEN SMITH
AA080511
Australia will provide $25 million in humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma following Cyclone Nargis. This consists of the initial $3 million I announced on 7 May plus a further $22 million.
A total contribution of $12.5 million will be made to the United Nations Flash Appeal, matching Japan and the United Kingdom as some of the highest donors to the fund.
The Appeal will help address the most urgent life-saving needs in Burma.
In addition, Australia will provide $12.5 million directly through international agencies and non-government organisations with the ability to deliver assistance quickly and effectively on the ground in the worst-affected areas.
Australia is doing everything possible to ensure that our intial aid assistance is reaching affected populations through United Nations disaster response mechanisms and non-government organisations. This assistance is in the form of food, water, water purification, sanitation, health kits, and tarpaulins.
Access into Burma for aid workers and supplies remains the greatest challenge. While the international community is responding well to the immense needs, if the Burmese regime were prepared to fully open its doors, a massive increase in delivery of humanitarian assistance would be possible.
Australia is continuing to work in concert with our regional and international colleagues and partners in strongly urging the regime to open up so that the urgent needs of the Burmese people can be met.
Media contact:
Courtney Hoogen (Ministerial) 0488 244
901
Michael Wightman (AusAID) 0417 683 767 www.ausaid.gov.au