¡¡¡¡YANGON, June 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Australia will help Myanmar combat HIV/AIDS and train government officials on protection of human rights under its humanitarian assistance program, according to a latest report of the weekly Myanmar Times journal.

¡¡¡¡The report quoted the Australian embassy sources as saying thatthe humanitarian aid of 6.2 million Australian dollars (about 3.35million U.S. dollars) represents an increase of 50 percent extended to the country compared with last year.

¡¡¡¡The grant aid would be used for projects implemented by the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations tofight HIV/AIDS as well as child health projects in the country.

¡¡¡¡Funds will also be allocated to conduct two human rights workshops in Myanmar's Mandalay and Taunggyi next month to train Myanmar government officials on protection of human rights, the report said.

¡¡¡¡According to the journal, the Australian government has funded such training for seven times since 2000 with 151 Myanmar officials so far trained.

¡¡¡¡Moreover, the Australian government would also help Myanmar train judges on judicial administration and reform, it added.

¡¡¡¡The Myanmar government and the Australian Human Rights Commissioner agreed in Yangon in August 1999 on cooperation in thefield of human rights. Enditem

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