Australia provides over $2.7 million for five projects to assist Sri Lanka's displaced people

Australia has allocated over $2.7 million this financial year to fund five projects in Sri Lanka supporting displaced people through improved health services and provision of shelter and protection, the Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen has disclosed. Bowen, who concluded a three-day visit to Sri Lanka Friday, has said that
Australian governments Displaced Persons Program (DPP) focuses on improving the lives of displaced people across the globe to deter smuggling of asylum seekers into the country. "By improving the quality of life for people in their home countries, this funding also helps to remove the incentive for people to pay people smugglers and attempt dangerous boat journeys to Australia," the Australian Minister noted on his web site. According to the Minister, international and non-governmental organizations have been funded through the program to implement a range of projects aiming for long-term solutions for refugees and displaced persons. International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), CARE Australia and ChildFund Australia are some of the organizations receiving funds through the program. For the financial year 2011 - 2012 Australia has funded five projects in Sri Lanka at a total of $2.74 million. ChildFund Australia has received $535 508 to provide displaced persons and returnee populations of the Kilinochchi district with livelihood support for their economic recovery and stability through improving farm-based livelihoods and ensuring food security. The project aims to assist 2,350 families to reestablish agricultural farming as a steady source of food throughout the year. A project undertaken by the IOM to strengthen fragile health systems in northern Sri Lanka has received $551,019. The project will provide transportation of health workers especially to remote and marginalized sites, hire six ambulances to provide 24-hour emergency care, and rehabilitate two health facilities. A project by CARE Australia to develop livelihoods and life skills of youth in northern Sri Lanka has received $677 531 in funds. This project aims to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of youth in northern Sri Lanka by providing 900 young men and women with increased access to skills development and employment opportunities. In partnership with local government and community service providers, this will result in improved community access to a range of services, the Minister's website read. Act for Peace has received $463 116 for a project to identity documentation for 22, 000 returnees, shelter assistance for 50 families, and livelihood support for 150 families. The project will also form several self-help community groups to provide and identify relevant training suitable to the region, aimed at providing long-term stability. Danish Refugee Council meanwhile will receive $509 658 to assist Sri Lankan refugees living in camps in Tamil Nadu, India. The project aims to increase protection for refugees, in particular women, girls and youth, and to enhance their livelihood opportunities through skills development.