Cambodia

Palmera supports sustainable initiatives in Cambodia. Measured by both income and broader human development indicators, Cambodia is among the poorest countries in the world. Poverty in Cambodia is characterized by low income and consumption, poor nutritional status, low educational attainment, less access to public services including school and health services, less access to economic opportunities, vulnerability to external shocks, and exclusion from economic, social and political processes. The relatively high prevalence of HIV/Aids in Cambodia is an additional challenge to the current human development situation.

Sri Lanka

Palmera focuses its development and relief efforts in the war torn areas of Sri Lanka. The North Eastern regions of Sri Lanka has been the victim of one of the longest running wars in South East Asia which has claimed the lives of over 65,000 people and displaced over 800,000. Since the war was officially declared over on 19 May 2009 the humanitarian situation has deteriorated. Currently, over 300,000 people are in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps with insufficient access to food & water.

Palmera is currently working in the region to deliver emergency relief to the IDP camps. We continue to support sustainable development projects throughout Sri Lanka to rebuild livelihoods and empower communities to break free from the poverty cycle Palmera works with reputable international and local NGO’s in order to deliver aid in the regions.

Australia

Palmera is committed to supporting initiatives in Australia that focus on improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities. Although Australia is a developed nation, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness and poverty is rising at alarming rates. It is clear that Australia's middle class is shrinking, and while the majority of those living in poverty are probably not becoming poorer in absolute terms, they are becoming more numerous. Poverty in Australia today is complex and changing. In 2007, UNICEF's report on child poverty in OECD countries revealed that Australia had the 14th highest child poverty rate. In 2000, life expectancy of Indigenous Australians was some 20 years below that of other Australians. In fact, Australian Indigenous poverty ranks alongside countries as poor as Bangladesh where absolute poverty is real.