Australia Increases Assistance To Un Disaster Response

Bob McMullan MP
Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance
Federal Member for Fraser

Australia Increases Assistance to UN Disaster Response

Australia will provide $60 million over the next four years to the United Nations' Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

The CERF is a humanitarian trust fund established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005. It ensures that United Nations agencies have the financial resources they need to respond quickly to new or rapidly deteriorating crises.

This year the CERF has responded to humanitarian crises and natural disasters in more than 40 countries around the world.

Australia is committed to supporting the important role of the United Nations in responding to humanitarian crises and is one of the world's top 10 contributors to the CERF.

Australia's contribution will support immediate and coordinated humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs manages the CERF. Australia is Chair of the OCHA Donor Support Group this year.

Australia's multi-year commitment to the CERF demonstrates our ongoing support for timely and well-coordinated humanitarian action.

Australia's contribution was pledged today by Parliamentary Secretary Bob McMullan at the annual CERF Conference in New York.

Media Contact:
Sam Casey (McMullan) 0421 697 660
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590

Media releases and speeches are available on AusAID's website www.ausaid.gov.au


SOURCE: AusAID