Middle East and Central Asia
| Estimated total ODA to the Middle East and Central Asia | $66.6 million |
Australian assistance to the Middle East and Central Asia is supporting reform and democracy and helping people emerge from conflict.
Iraq
Together with international partners, Australia will continue its efforts to help build stability and democracy in Iraq following the recent elections, and support the transition to an open market-based economy. Australia has to date pledged over $126 million for reconstruction and assistance to Iraq. Additional funding of $45 million will enable Australia to provide further assistance in 2005–06 and 2006–07. Australia will continue to focus on the agriculture sector, with niche contributions in related areas such as planning and development cooperation, trade reform, and other critical areas such as electrical power generation and police training. Through short-term training programs and technical assistance, Australia will help enhance Iraq’s human resources capacity and strengthen key institutions. Australia will also continue its support through multilateral agencies including the UN and the World Bank.
Afghanistan
Australia will continue to support Afghanistan’s transition from conflict to peace and democracy. Australia’s existing $110 million commitment to Afghanistan’s reconstruction will be fully allocated by June 2005. An estimated $26 million in assistance will be provided in 2005–06. Priorities will include supporting delivery of essential services through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, and democracy and capacity building of Afghan institutions. Australia will also assist the return and reintegration of displaced Afghans, improve food security and rural livelihoods, and continue its support for health and education initiatives.
Palestinian Territories and refugees
Australia will work with multilateral agencies to support the newly elected Palestinian President and Palestinian Authority’s efforts to undertake reform and further the peace process. In 2005–06, Australian ODA to the Palestinian Territories and refugees is estimated at $16 million. Australia will also continue to work with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and NGOs to reduce the vulnerability of Palestinians to poverty and conflict, through support for activities to deliver essential services and develop the capacities of local organisations.