Australia to Hold Talks in Cambodia on Landmine Clearing

Australia's Special Representative on mine action, The Honourable Bruce Billson, is to spend the next 10 days visiting Cambodia. The Honourable Billson will meet His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, the government ministers, and representatives of international and non-government organisations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, according to the press release issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs of Australia.

The Hon. Billson, who is the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, will visit Australian-funded, including the Cambodian Mine Action Centre , the Integrated Demining and Develop- ment Program ( IDDP) conducted by CARE Australia and the Veterans International’s Rehabilitation Centre for mine victims.

He will also inspect the AusAID funded Cambodian Criminal Justice assistance Project and talk with Australian volunteers in Cambodia playing an important role in contributing to the country’s development.

The Hon. Bruce Billson, announced at the Cambodian Mine Action Centre that “ Australia will provide a further $2 million for landmine clearing operations in Cambodia “. This initial $2 million contribution will be dedicated to clearance operations conducted by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, which involves in surveying and important mine awareness activities.

The Hon. Billson says Australia has pledged $75 million over the next five years to tackle the horrific effects of anti-personnel mines UXO, in addition to the $100 million spent by Australia over the past decade, including $48 million to help Cambodia.

In relation to criminal justice infrastructure, he further announced Australia will contribute $3 million towards a model Cambodian Prison. The model design will serve as a blueprint for future prisons in the provision of prisoner health and welfare needs, rehabilitation through vocational and education training and HIV/AIDS awareness programs.

Australia has committed more than $30 million since 1997 to support Cambodia’s criminal justice system through the Cambodian Justice Assistance Project (CCJAP and has significantly improved prisoner conditions and provided much needed training, policy advice and infrastructure support, the Hon Billson said.

INDEX:

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	Cambodia Joins Melbourne International Arts Festival
	Australia to Hold Talks in Cambodia on Landmine Clearing
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