Mr Smith’s Office:
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AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
MEDIA RELEASE
Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
M E D I A R E L E A S E
AA 08 70
5 December 2008
AUSTRALIA IMPROVES EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMANITARIAN AID
Australia will contribute $38 million through the United Nations to improve the positive impact and
effectiveness of our humanitarian aid.
Australia will provide:
$26 million over four years in partnership with the United Nations Office for Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA); and
$12 million to the United Nation’s Central Emergency Response Fund.
These contributions will support immediate responses to global humanitarian disasters and crises and
ensure the needs of adversely affected communities are addressed.
The Central Emergency Response Fund, administered by UNOCHA, is the UN’s frontline agency for
coordinating humanitarian assistance.
In 2008, the Fund distributed over $US400 million to humanitarian crises in over 55 countries across
the world.
Next year, demands for humanitarian assistance will only increase given the combined effects of the
world food crisis and numerous natural disasters.
The $26 million partnership with UNOCHA forms part of Australia’s overall $200 million investment
over four years through UN agencies and recognises the critical role they play in leading global efforts
in addressing the Millennium Development Goals.
NEWS 
