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Australia will provide $4 million for emergency relief to internally displaced people and refugees in Sudan, Chad and the Central Republic of Africa (CAR) through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Australia will provide assistance of $2 million for Sudan, $1 million for Chad and $1 million for the CAR. Australia's contribution will assist the ICRC to distribute food and improve water and health facilities provided to families and vulnerable groups displaced by continuing conflict across Sudan, Chad and the CAR.
The people of Sudan, Chad and the CAR are suffering from the deliberate destruction of livelihoods with millions of people reliant on humanitarian assistance to survive.
Our assistance recognises the links between the humanitarian crises in the three countries and supports moves by the United Nations to adopt a more comprehensive regional response. The funding through the ICRC will help its efforts to relieve the suffering of an estimated 500,000 people currently in camps across the region.
This contribution will bring Australia's assistance for Sudan and the two neighbouring countries to more than $62 million since May 2004.
Australia will continue to monitor humanitarian conditions in Sudan, Chad and the CAR and respond to priority needs in coordination with other donors.
Media contacts:
Malcolm Cole (Minister's Office) 02 6277
7500
AUSAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590