Australia helps acid survivors on International Women’s Day
Australian High Commissioner, Dr. Justin Lee and his spouse Ms. Jeane Lona handing over the cheque to Ms. Munira Rahman, Executive Director of ASF
The Australian High Commissioner, Dr. Justin Lee, and his spouse Jeane Lona, yesterday visited the Acid Survivors’ Foundation (ASF) Hospital in Dhaka and handed over a cheque of Taka 3.2 million to help acid survivors reintegrate into society and achieve economic independence.
The visit coincided with International Women’s Day 2009. There are currently around 3,000 recorded acid attack survivors in Bangladesh, with women making up more than two-thirds. While efforts to reduce attacks have had some success, there are still estimated to be around 150 attacks each year which can cause serious disability.
During his visit, Dr Lee said, “The promotion and protection of human rights and gender rights are important principles underlying Australia’s cooperation with Bangladesh. The work of the Acid Survivors’ Foundation is consistent with these goals, and I am very pleased Australia can assist ASF and the people it helps.”
The High Commissioner and his spouse spoke with acid survivors at the ASF Hospital and Training Centre, and received a briefing from Munira Rahman, the Executive Director of ASF.
The Acid Survivors Foundation was formed in May 1999 with an aim to help acid survivors rebuild their lives and to stop acid violence by 2015. ASF provides a comprehensive service to help meet the medical, legal, social and economic needs of survivors, and assist their rehabilitation.
Funding for the ASF was provided under the Australian Government’s Human Rights Small Grants Scheme (HRSGS) 2008-09.
Australian High Commission, Dhaka
08 March 2009
For further information please contact
Senior Political & Economic Research Officer
Australian High Commission.
Tel: 8813105, E-mail: [email protected]