23 February 2009
Australia provides funds for Human Rights
Today, in a regular consultation with Australian human rights Non-Government Organisations, I announced the Australian Government will provide $1.9 million to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to promote and protect human rights in the Asia-Pacific region.
This is a $700,000 increase on the funding Australia provided in 2007-08 and reflects the Government’s commitment to engaging in and with the United Nations and to the advancement of human rights.
Australia recognises the substantial contribution the UN High Commissioner, Navanethem Pillay, and her office makes in promoting and protecting human rights.
Australia’s contribution will be used to support the Office’s initiatives on regional co-operation on human rights, including engagement with ASEAN, the Pacific Islands Forum and SAARC, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
It includes $500,000 to promoting and protecting human rights in the Asia-Pacific region, including by strengthening regional cooperation.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555