Regional Launch of Australian Government’s Humanitarian Action Policy
Australian Ambassador to Thailand James Wise has launched Australia’s new Humanitarian Action Policy in Bangkok, Thailand.
The regional launch of the policy highlighted Australia’s commitment to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and maintaining human dignity during and in the aftermath of conflict, natural disasters and other humanitarian crises.
The new policy acknowledges that host-governments must lead on humanitarian response, and confirms Australia’s preparedness to deliver fast, flexible, effective, and accountable humanitarian action when it is needed.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Wise said, “It is a deeply unfortunate fact that we are more likely, not less likely, to see humanitarian crises in the years ahead. Be it through conflict or through natural disasters, many people in many countries will require considerable support.”
“Australia’s Humanitarian Action Policy provides a clear framework for this support. Australia assisted Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines during last year’s devastating flooding and will continue to address humanitarian crises in Asia and the Pacific and around the world.”
Last year Australian contributions and responses to appeals for emergency, humanitarian and refugee programs totalled $352 million or 11 per cent of AusAID’s budget. Of this, $24 million was spent in Asia and the Pacific. Much of this assistance is delivered through the United Nations, international organisations, and non-government organisations.
Oliver Lacey-Hall, Regional Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), said, “Australia is taking on a bolder, more international approach to humanitarian action and committing more resources, more capacity and leadership. We welcome this new era in humanitarian action for Australia which will result in more lives saved and strengthened preparedness to disaster risks.”
Australia’s new Humanitarian Action Policy replaces the previous 2005 Humanitarian Action Policy. It was drafted following extensive consultation with the international community, including other government, non-government and multilateral partners.
For more information about Australia’s Humanitarian Action Policy, please go to the website of the Australian Government’s Agency for International Development (AusAID) – www.ausaid.gov.au
Australian Ambassador to Thailand James Wise (right) discusses Australia’s new Humanitarian Action Policy with Regional UNOCHA Head Oliver Lacey-Hall and UNOCHA Communications Manager Kirsten Mildren.
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