Humanitarian Relief For Conflict-affected Communities In North-west Pakistan

Humanitarian Relief for Conflict-Affected Communities in North-West Pakistan

Australia will provide a further $5 million to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of civilians fleeing the conflict in north-west Pakistan.

Continued fighting between Pakistani Government forces and extremists has now displaced more than two and a half million people in the North West Frontier Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

Australia's assistance is in response to urgent calls by the United Nations and the Government of Pakistan.

Australia's contribution of $5 million will provide essential food through the United Nations World Food Programme ($4.4 million). The assistance will also support the deployment of Australian logistics experts to support United Nations programs, such as the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF.

Australia is working with the Pakistani Government to assist its own people. This latest contribution will enable the World Food Programme to transport local stockpiles of wheat flour to those in need and will feed around one million displaced people over the next six months.

Today's commitment is in addition to $18 million for humanitarian relief and recovery in north-west Pakistan since September 2008.

Australia's assistance has helped alleviate the suffering of the adversely affected displaced people through the provision of essential health services, food, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

Australia stands side by side with the Pakistani Government in its efforts to stare down militancy and extremism and is committed to helping Pakistan become a safer, more democratic and prosperous country, free from intimidation and fear.

Contact:

Mr Smith's Office:
Libby Petrovic
02 6277 7500
0439603678

AusAID Media:
02 62064733
0417 680 590


SOURCE: AusAID