Australian Assistance To Mongolia

Australian Assistance to Mongolia

Australia will provide $1 million in assistance to Mongolia following the adverse humanitarian situation caused by severe weather conditions.

Extreme winter temperatures have affected the country since the end of December 2009 and follow a recent drought. Together these extremes have caused the deaths of more than 450,000 livestock and threatened the livelihoods of Mongolian herders.

The crisis is affecting pregnant women and children vulnerable to disease outbreaks and malnutrition.

The Government of Mongolia has appealed for food, medicines, heating supplies, and funds to buy food for livestock.

Australian officials are working with the Government of Mongolia, the United Nations, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement to respond to the crisis. We will channel our assistance through the UN and humanitarian agencies who can respond quickly on the ground in Mongolia.

I advised Mongolia's Minister for Defence of Australia's humanitarian assistance at the London Conference on Afghanistan at the end of last week.

Mr Smith's Office: Courtney Hoogen (02) 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
Departmental: (02) 6261 1555

SOURCE: Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs