Reports from local NGOs have been critical of an AusAID funded project in Cambodia . [AFP]
PHOTO
Joanna McCarthy, Canberra
ABC Radio Australia
The Australian Government's overseas aid program has defended resettlement policies relating to a controversial railway refurbishment in Cambodia.
It comes after non-government organisations in Cambodia reported some resettled families had been intimidated, received meager compensation and were forcibly moved to sites without power or water.
Australia has contributed about $US21.5 million to the $US141 million project.
An AusAID spokeswoman said Cambodia was responsible for resettlement procedures under the funding agreement, which states that no one will be made worse off.
AusAID said most people affected currently live in dangerous and unsanitary conditions along the railway and would be significantly better off once the project is completed.
The spokeswoman said Australia had repeatedly made it clear to the Cambodian Government that it expected it to honour its agreement to protect the rights of those being resettled.
PHOTO
Joanna McCarthy, Canberra
ABC Radio Australia
The Australian Government's overseas aid program has defended resettlement policies relating to a controversial railway refurbishment in Cambodia.
It comes after non-government organisations in Cambodia reported some resettled families had been intimidated, received meager compensation and were forcibly moved to sites without power or water.
Australia has contributed about $US21.5 million to the $US141 million project.
An AusAID spokeswoman said Cambodia was responsible for resettlement procedures under the funding agreement, which states that no one will be made worse off.
AusAID said most people affected currently live in dangerous and unsanitary conditions along the railway and would be significantly better off once the project is completed.
The spokeswoman said Australia had repeatedly made it clear to the Cambodian Government that it expected it to honour its agreement to protect the rights of those being resettled.
No comments:
Post a Comment