Joint media release with Senator the Hon Penny Wong and the Hon Pat Conroy MP
The Albanese Government has pledged $265 million at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-led Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva to support refugees and to sustain humanitarian assistance in protracted crises.
As the world faces a deepening crisis with more than 114 million people displaced across the globe, Australia is working to take a leading role in international resettlement efforts.
In response to the ongoing displacement crisis, Australia will provide:
- $235 million to support displaced Rohingya and communities in need in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
- $20 million to support people in Afghanistan and those displaced to neighbouring countries.
- $10 million to support people in Sudan and those displaced to neighbouring countries.
At the GRF, Australia reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees, enhancing refugee self-reliance, and expanding access to third country solutions through resettlement and complementary pathway places.
Australia's Humanitarian Resettlement Program has been increased to 20,000 places, the highest core intake in over a decade, and we are committed to growing skills-based pathways. Australia is also working to support other countries to establish and grow their own resettlement programs.
The Australian Government recently established a Refugee Advisory Panel to Government to ensure those with lived experience can advise Australia's settlement programs.
Australia's official delegation to the GRF includes one of its members Mr Danijel Malbasa, an advocate, writer, lawyer, and a former Yugoslav refugee, who co-delivered Australia's National Statement.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
"We are seeing the largest displacement crisis unfolding in modern history, with more than 114 million people displaced globally.
"Our humanitarian assistance is part of a broader effort to address the causes of displacement and find durable solutions.
"Through our partners, Australia will deliver vital support to vulnerable people displaced by conflict."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP:
"Our pledges aim to ease pressure on host countries and demonstrate our commitment to responsibility sharing, in recognition of the shared global challenge of displacement.
"Through our pledges, Australia is firmly committed to supporting refugees globally and the communities that host them at a time where there are more people forcibly displaced than ever before.
"The Albanese Government is committed to working with others globally to find practical, and sustainable solutions for the increasingly complex situations driving displacement, such as through the adoption of machine-readable refugee travel documents".
Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"Australia is deeply concerned by the unprecedented number of displaced people around the world.
"We are making an important contribution to the humanitarian response in partnership with other countries and international organisations at the Global Refugee Forum."
