21 Feb 2006

Australia to provide millions to rebuild the police and judiciary in Vanuatu

3:58 pm on 21 February 2006

The Australian Government is to provide tens of millions of dollars to strengthen law and order and fight corruption in Vanuatu.

Through its aid agency AUSaid, Canberra's is to spend around 28 million US dollars to reform the police and strengthen the justice system over the next five years.

The bulk of the money will go towards rebuilding the police force.

The Government says reinforcing Vanuatu's cornerstone law enforcement and legal institutions is integral to restoring peace and stability.

It says, with Australia's support, the Vanuatu Government is working to create a professional, accountable and community-oriented police force while enhancing existing crime prevention and victim support services.