Australian help to reintegrate acid survivors into society

Jeane Lona, spouse of Australian High Commissioner Dr Justin Lee, hands over a cheque for Tk 3.2 million to ASF Hospital Executive Director Munira Rahman in the city yesterday.

Australian High Commi-ssioner Dr Justin Lee and his spouse Jeane Lona yesterday visited Acid Survivors' Foundation (ASF) Hospital in the city and handed over a cheque for Tk 3.2 million to help acid survivors reintegrate into society and achieve economic independence, says a press release.
The visit coincided with International Women's Day. There are currently around 3,000 recorded acid attack survivors in the country 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 every year which can cause serious disability, the release added.
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 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 where ASF Executive Director Munira Rahman gave them a briefing.
The foundation was formed with an aim to help acid survivors rebuild their lives and to stop acid violence by 2015. It provides a comprehensive service to help meet medical, legal, social and economic needs of the survivors and assist their rehabilitation.
A number of international donors have assisted the foundation since its inception in May 1999.
Funding for the foundation was provided under the Australian government's Human Rights Small Grants Scheme 2008-09.