Australia will make a significant contribution to humanitarian relief efforts in Maluku and North Maluku provinces in Indonesia. This contribution reflects Australia's ongoing concern regarding the humanitarian and security situation in both provinces and desire to help alleviate the grave circumstances there.
Australia will contribute $2 million to the UNICEF emergency program, $1 million to the work of Action Contre La Faim and a further $200,000 to TIRUS, a local NGO.
Through UNICEF, Australia will support measles vaccination programs, infant feeding for displaced children, trauma counselling for women and child victims of violence and peace education in local schools.
In addition, Australia will contribute food aid for displaced people which will be distributed by Action Contre La Faim (Action Against Hunger) and support for relief and reconciliation activities initiated by TIRUS.
After more than twelve months of sectarian violence in Maluku and North Maluku provinces, more than 440,000 people have been displaced and many homes, schools, and public buildings destroyed.
A recent AusAID assessment mission identified substantial unmet needs and determined that the most effective manner in which to deliver humanitarian assistance was through UNICEF and the international and national non-government organisations which are presently operating in the region.
Since the civil unrest began 12 months ago, Australia has provided $ 2.3 million for humanitarian assistance in the Maluku provinces. Australia has also provided substantial humanitarian assistance elsewhere in Indonesia, including through the World Food Programme and the Red Cross.