Australian Council for International Development

ACFID is deeply horrified at the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan.   All parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law (IHL) and ensure the protection of civilians. Breaches of IHL must stop.   Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, millions have been displaced and Sudan is now on the brink of famine.   ACFID calls for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian access and the protection of civilians and humanitarians. #KeepEyesonSudan https://lnkd.in/g6feipJx

ACFID welcomes the Australian Government voting with more than 150 countries to demand that Israel reverses its ban on UNRWA at the United Nations General Assembly today.    “ACFID welcomes the Australian Government’s support for UNRWA, demonstrated by its vote at the General Assembly today. UNRWA must be able to continue to conduct its life-saving work,” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian and Public Engagement Lead.    Read our media release here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gUkupzGK

📣 Recently, the Australian Government released their Humanitarian Policy.   This Policy will outline how Australia will harness its resources to respond to crises now and into the future.   Swipe through to see ACFID's thoughts on the policy, including what we welcome and what needs work.   You can read ACFID's full review of the Humanitarian Policy here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gXxKGi2D   The Humanitarian Policy can be read here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gN5eGswr

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) the peak body for international development and humanitarian agencies, expresses solidarity with the Syrian people in a time of change and relief, but uncertainty as the country navigates the fall of the Assad regime.   “At this critical juncture for the Syrian people, we call on the Australian Government to commit to further humanitarian and development assistance as Syria rebuilds,” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian and Public engagement lead.   Read our media release here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gmFqSE-n  

ACFID welcomes the Australian Government backing a United Nations resolution calling for an end to Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.   The Australian Government must also work within the United Nations General Assembly regarding the future of UNRWA and humanitarian assistance in Gaza following the passing of the Knesset legislation to ban UNRWA.   Further, ACFID calls on the Australian Government to use all diplomatic tools to end the suffering of Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza. https://lnkd.in/gUCT9DVT

Today, the Australian Council for International Development warmly welcomes a new online tool from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) providing greater transparency of Australia’s Official Development Assistance.   We further welcome a commitment by DFAT to re-commence reporting to the International Aid Transparency Initiative after its previous annual reporting ceased in 2019, leading Australia to plummet in world transparency rankings.   “The new AusDevPortal synthesizes a large volume of data that had been hiding away in inaccessible databases not easy to use by the public. This new tool significantly improves accessibility and transparency and will allow civil society to more effectively engage with Australia’s international development program,” said ACFID’s Policy and Government Relations Lead, Dr. Alex Edney-Browne.   You can read ACFID's media release here: https://lnkd.in/gWEuCd9Z

An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide experience a significant disability today – with 80% living in low-income and middle-income countries.   Yet in low to middle income countries, an estimated 85-95% of people with disabilities are unable to access the assistive technology they need, locking them out of society and into an ongoing cycle of poverty, disability and inequity.   Today, as we celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities, let’s commit to ensuring assistive technology is accessible, affordable, and available for all, so no-one is left behind.   We can and must do better to #UnlockTheEveryday and break down barriers for millions of people with disabilities within our region and around the world.   It’s time we ensure that everyone, everywhere, has the lifelines they need to thrive. Australian Disability and Development Consortium CBM Australia   #UnlockTheEveryday #ChampioningDisabilityEquity #IDPD2024

On this International of People with Disabilities, we are celebrating wins in disability equity and rights. Assistive technology (AT) enables people with disabilities to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Yet across the Pacific, limited availability and high costs keep AT out of reach for the vast majority who need it. Without it, people with disabilities can be all but eliminated from opportunities for education, employment, and human connection—locking them into cycles of poverty and isolation. Access to AT is more than a convenience; it’s a human right. That’s why we’re celebrating the Australian Government’s new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy (IDEARS), launched last week. With landmark commitments to advancing disability equity and rights with people with disabilities, the government has also committed $12 million to assistive technology over the next four years for our region. This strategy is a bold step forward, including working to make AT accessible and affordable. This International Day of People with Disabilities let’s commit to building on this progress and breaking down the barriers that hold people with disabilities back. Together, we can #UnlockTheEveryday. 👉 bit.ly/3CSQcnv Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade #AssistiveTechnology #DisabilityRights #ChampioningDisabilityEquity #IDPD2024

  ACFID welcomes the Australian Government's announcement of $5 million in humanitarian assistance to the Philippines.   The assistance will include essential services delivered through humanitarian partners including the United Nations, non-government organisations and local community organisations.   This critical funding will assist in cyclone recovery efforts, supporting those most in need with shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, food security and health services.   You can read the Government's media release here: https://lnkd.in/gnR-Devn

Following their wonderful presentation at the ACFID National Conference, we want to highlight some of the initiatives led by the European Union Delegation to Australia. The EU Delegation’s work in the Indo-Pacific focuses on sustainable development and resilience, guided by the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Through efforts like the Global Gateway strategy, they are driving clean infrastructure projects, renewable energy, and digital transformation—empowering local communities and boosting regional economies. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gAw87BCR