SEVEN DRAFT TEXTS ADDRESSING HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSUE INTRODUCED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Press Release
GA/9010
SEVEN DRAFT TEXTS ADDRESSING HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSUE INTRODUCED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
19951127 Resolutions Concern Chernobyl, Liberia, Central American Development, El Salvador, Angola, Relief from Sanctions, Participation of `White Helmets'Six draft resolutions addressing specific international humanitarian assistance situations as well as a draft on the participation of volunteers, "White Helmets", in United Nations humanitarian and development activities, were introduced in the General Assembly this afternoon.
Among the measures proposed by the separate texts, the Assembly would:
-- Invite Member States, multilateral financial institutions and other concerned parties to support the ongoing efforts of Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine to cope with the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster;
-- Emphasize the urgent need for all parties and factions in Liberia to respect the security and safety of all United Nations personnel, as well as non-governmental organizations and the Peace Monitoring Group, and to create an atmosphere conducive to the successful resolution of the conflict;
-- Request the Secretary-General and the United Nations system to mobilize resources to put the strategy contained in the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America into effect;
-- Urge the Government of El Salvador to finish complying with the remaining commitments of the Peace Agreement and to continue to develop programmes and strategies designed to improve the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of the population;
-- Call upon the parties in Angola to fully and effectively implement the Peace Accords in order to bring peace and stability to the country, thus creating conditions conducive to its economic rehabilitation; and
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-- Request the Secretary-General to increase the opportunity for States affected by the implementation of the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) to participate actively in the post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation of the crisis-stricken areas of former Yugoslavia after the achievement of a peaceful, lasting and just political solution of the conflict.
By another text, the Assembly would encourage voluntary actions aimed at making national volunteer corps, such as "White Helmets", available to the United Nations on a stand-by basis.
During the debate, the representative of Norway stressed the need for coordination within countries that received different forms of humanitarian assistance. He also called for priorities to be set in consolidated appeals, efforts be intensified to broaden the donor base.
The representative of Ukraine proposed 26 April 1996 as the International Day of Memory of Chernobyl. Chernobyl did not belong to the past, he said. The problems it spawned would exist for years to come and still more resources and efforts would be required to overcome them. The matter affected not only the citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and the Russian Federation, but was of a global dimension.
The observer for Palestine said that as a result of agreements reached, today the world was witnessing the redeployment of the Israeli forces from Palestinian cities, towns and villages. But, he added that Israeli practices stemming from the occupation mentality persisted. He called on the international community to send a clear signal to the Israeli Government that it was in the interest of peace for it to end such practices. They served only to encourage the radical forces in the region and to undermine the goals of international assistance to the Palestinian people.
Other statements were made by the representatives of Angola, Sudan, Philippines (on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China), Canada, Australia and Spain (on behalf of the European Union). Drafts were introduced by the representatives of Argentina, Guatemala, Russian Federation, South Africa, El Salvador, Bulgaria and Portugal.
The Assembly will meet again at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 28 November, to continue its consideration of strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance and participation of volunteers, "White Helmets", in United Nations humanitarian relief and development activities.
Assembly Work Programme
The General Assembly met this afternoon to begin its consideration of strengthening the coordination of United Nations humanitarian and disaster relief assistance as well as the participation of volunteers, "White Helmets", in the Organization's activities in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical cooperation for development. It has before it several reports and a draft resolution.
The Assembly will also consider specific reports on assistance to the following: Yemen, Angola, Madagascar, States affected by sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), Liberia, Djibouti, the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America, Rwanda and countries receiving refugees from Rwanda, Chernobyl, Sudan, Somalia, the Palestinian people and El Salvador. In addition, a report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the field operation in Rwanda is before the Assembly.
Related draft resolutions on specific assistance are before the Assembly on Angola, States affected by sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Liberia, the Alliance for Sustainable Development of Central America, Chernobyl and El Salvador.
Under the provisions of a draft resolution on the participation of volunteers, "White Helmets", in United Nations humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical cooperation activities (document A/50/L.23), the Assembly would encourage voluntary actions aimed at making national volunteer corps, such as the White Helmets, available to the United Nations system on a stand-by basis for emergency relief and rehabilitation. The Department of Humanitarian Affairs would be encouraged to make use of the White Helmets and other United Nations Volunteers and to support a smooth transition from relief to rehabilitation, reconstruction and development.
Also by that text, the operational role of the United Nations Volunteers in the selection, training, deployment and effective utilization of the White Helmets would be recognized. Countries in a position to contribute to such activities would be encouraged to do so through the distinct window created for that purpose within the Special Voluntary Fund of the United Nations Volunteers.
The draft resolution is sponsored by the following countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines,
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Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.
The Secretary-General's report on strengthening the coordination of humanitarian assistance (document A/50/203) states that the lack of support for strengthening indigenous capacities and local mechanisms to cope with crises was one of the most glaring deficiencies in the overall response of the international community. A further major challenge was to find ways to ensure compliance with international humanitarian laws in crisis situations.
The United Nations should have the means to make adequate security arrangements at the outset of any crisis that had the potential of endangering aid workers, the report states. In addition, Member States should use their influence with parties to the conflict to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law.
On funding, the report recommends that funds be set aside for quick access for immediate rehabilitation activities. To that end, it suggests that $30 million be placed in a separate window within the Central Emergency Revolving Fund to act as a catalyst for such activities. Further, Member States should consider ways to provide extrabudgetary support to the Department of Humanitarian Affairs on a sustainable basis. That would ensure continuity and strengthening of the Department's key coordination role within the international humanitarian system. The report proposes that donors earmark a percentage of their contributions to consolidated appeals for the Department's coordination activities.
According to the report spending on refugee operations doubled between 1990 and 1992. The cost of peace operations had increased five-fold in the same period and ten-fold by 1994. Between 1989 and 1994, the amount of resources used for humanitarian programmes tripled from $845 million to some $3 billion.
The addendum to the Secretary-General's report (document A/50/203/Add.1) deals with the activities of the "White Helmets" in humanitarian relief and rehabilitation. It states that in the light of growing demands for manpower and funds to mitigate the suffering and destruction caused by numerous emergencies, the White Helmet initiative presented a new opportunity for creative and resourceful programme design, formulation and implementation.
The White Helmet initiative, however, could be viable only if Governments encouraged the creation of national volunteer corps and provided the necessary funds, says the report. Once such teams were created, the United Nations Volunteer Programme could store such information in a database. After such teams had served under the United Nations auspices, the experience gained would allow the removal of any gaps in the evolving volunteer scheme.
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The report says that 22 Governments, including Germany, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States, have endorsed the initiative and 15 of those expressed a willingness to play a role in the training of the national volunteer corps. However, only one Government had pledged a contribution to the "White Helmet" fund, while six had expressed their willingness to do so. Three Governments had referred to the possibility of private sector financing of the initiative.
A note by the Secretariat on the participation of volunteers and "White Helmets" in relief and rehabilitation activities of the United Nations (document A/50/542) states that it was prepared following a request by the Economic and Social Council at its 1995 session to the Secretary-General for an updated report on recent developments regarding the implementation of the White Helmet initiative. The note draws the attention of the General Assembly to the deliberations of the Economic and Social Council, which demonstrated strong support for the early implementation of the initiative. The initiative was also endorsed by the Social Summit in Copenhagen in March, 1995. The note adds that the Government of Argentina had made an initial contribution to the Special Voluntary Fund established by the United Nations Volunteers.
The report on assistance to Yemen (document A/50/301) states that following the unification of Yemen, the return of Yemeni expatriates, the flow of refugees and recent natural disasters, the World Bank, the Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) developed a multisectoral emergency recovery programme worth $245 million. The programme was designed to cover road construction, education, agriculture and housing. Sixty per cent of the World Bank/International Development Association funds had been disbursed thus far.
The report reviews the activities of such agencies as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNDP, the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Yemen.
The report states that $1.5 million in UNDP assistance for returnees was under discussion with the Government. The WFP had developed the rural community infrastructure at an estimated cost of $1.7 million, and provided $6.5 million of assistance for soil and water conservation. In addition, the UNFPA had created a $3 million project to improve access to and quality of care for maternal and child health services. The WHO had provided $1.5 million in assistance for the control of communicable diseases, including malaria, schistosomiasis, leprosy, onchocerciasis, and upper respiratory tract infections.
The report on assistance to Angola (document A/50/424) describes the humanitarian assistance activities carried out in Angola since the issuance of the previous report of the Secretary-General in 1993. Following the
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resurgence of the civil conflict in late 1992, United Nations agencies transformed their reconstruction plans into emergency assistance programmes. The reports states that the WFP, UNICEF, FAO, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNDP and WHO were engaged in relief and resettlement in the country.
The United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM III), with its mandate extended until 8 February, 1996, continued to assist in national reconciliation, the report says. The Unit for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (UCAH) continued to serve as the coordinating body for all humanitarian operations. Describing Member States' assistance to Angola, the report states that in 1994 Germany sponsored a project of long-term rehabilitation and development in the amount of 5.3 million deutsche mark. The Government of Italy intended to provide 29 billion lire and the Government of Japan had provided assistance worth $5.7 million in 1994.
By a draft resolution on international assistance for the economic rehabilitation of Angola (document A/50/L.31), the Assembly would call upon the parties in that country to fully and effectively implement the Peace Accords in order to bring peace and stability to Angola, thus creating conditions conducive to its economic rehabilitation. The Assembly would appeal to all those who had announced contributions at the recent Round-Table Conference of Donors to honour their commitments, and would encourage Angola to proceed with its programme of economic rehabilitation. The Secretary- General would be requested to continue to mobilize the United Nations system to ensure an appropriate level of economic assistance for Angola. Member States and other donors would be urged to provide support for the programme of demobilization and reintegration of excess combatants.
That draft is sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Guinea- Bissau, Honduras, Italy, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Spain, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The report on assistance to Madagascar (document A/50/292) states that the northern part of Madagascar was particularly vulnerable to cyclones and the material damage inflicted by cyclones might exceed 10 per cent of the country's gross national product. A project for strengthening the Government's intervention capacity in case of natural human disasters was jointly undertaken by UNDP and WFP at a cost of $775,000.
The southern part of Madagascar was prone to desertification, deforestation, bush fire, heavy rains and cyclones, storm winds, soil and coastal erosion and fluctuation of ground water, says the report. A fund for reconstruction of highways damaged by disasters was set up in an amount of
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$1.3 million, with 60 per cent provided by the Government of Madagascar and the other 40 per cent by the European Development Fund.
Also before the Assembly is a report of the Secretary-General on economic assistance to States affected by the implementation of the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) (document A/50/423). It was requested by resolution 49/21, in which the General Assembly expressed concern at the persisting special economic problems confronting States, in particular those that border the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), the other Danube riparian States and all other States adversely affected by the severance of their economic relations with the Federal Republic and the disruption of traditional transport and communications links in that part of Europe.
The report reviews Security Council actions aimed at fine-tuning the sanctions regime to maximize its political impact and minimize its collateral damage to neighbouring and other affected countries. The report also provides information submitted, in response to inquiries by the Secretariat, by institutions involved in or affected by the sanctions, among them the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), UNDP, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). Several regional initiatives and assistance arrangements are also discussed in the report, such as the programme of PHARE (Pologne-Hongrie: Assistance a la restructuration economique) through which France has been channelling its assistance to the region.
Regarding the neighbouring and other affected countries in the region, the report states that although there were no updated estimates of the losses and costs resulting from the sanctions, their heavy burden and adverse long- term impact on the overall economic and social situation of those countries had been reaffirmed. There was insufficient information to assess fully the level of bilateral assistance provided to the countries. However, it was believed that, although many reported projects had not initially been directed at mitigating the negative effects of the sanctions, they should have yielded indirect positive impact.
According to the report, as a result of a special 1994 meeting in Vienna, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) had developed a viable approach to supporting a number of infrastructure projects in the affected countries and integrating them into a longer-term regional perspective of transport, infrastructure and communications development. However, substantial additional resources were needed to carry out longer-term transport and infrastructure projects and the participation of international financial institutions and private-sector involvement should be encouraged.
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By a draft on economic assistance to States affected by the implementation of the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) (document A/50/L.32), the Secretary-General would be requested to increase the opportunity for those countries to participate actively in the post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation of the crisis-stricken areas of former Yugoslavia after the achievement of a peaceful, lasting and just political solution of the conflict in the Balkans. Expressing concern at the persisting special economic problems confronting those States, the Assembly would reaffirm the urgent need of a concerted international response to deal more effectively with their special economic problems. The international financial institutions would be invited to consider ways of mobilizing resources for mitigating the continuing negative impact of the sanctions.
Also by that text, the Assembly would request entities of the United Nations system to consider providing assistance to the affected States. It would renew its urgent appeal to all States to provide assistance to the affected States to mitigate the adverse impact of the sanctions on their economies. States of the region would be encouraged to continue to cooperate actively on a regional basis in such fields as cross-border infrastructure projects or promotion of trade, thus alleviating the adverse impact of the sanctions. United Nations bodies involved in rendering humanitarian assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) would be urged to broaden access for suppliers, particularly from the States affected by the implementation of the sanctions.
That text is sponsored by Argentina, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the United States.
The Secretary-General's report on assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia (document A/50/522) states that humanitarian assistance activities are beginning to recover from the set-backs suffered in late 1994, when warring factions looted the equipment and vehicles of relief organizations. Of the 1.8 million Liberians estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance, only some 1.5 million are currently accessible to relief organizations. The effects on the population cut off from assistance is revealed in a study, covering upper Margibi and lower Bong counties, which found severe malnutrition rates of 42 per cent.
The report describes United Nations efforts in support of the peace process, which encountered serious problems despite some positive developments. The Secretary-General stresses that any plan for sustainable progress in the rehabilitation of Liberia must include a credible programme
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for demobilizing former combatants and reintegrating them into civil society. Of the estimated 50,000 to 60,000 fighters, as many as 15,000 are children. "After more than five years of war, many of these fighters know no other way of life," the report states.
Details of the various forms of assistance are provided in the report. For example, in its section on abused women and girls, the report states that evidence indicates that the Liberian conflict involves a high incidence of rape and sexual abuse. The UNICEF, in cooperation with the National Women's Council of Liberia, has set up centres for abused women and girls called "My Sister's Place" which offer trauma counselling, medical and legal services, sex education, HIV/AIDS counselling and income-generating training. Women and girls also benefit from UNDP assistance in the development of micro- enterprises.
By a draft resolution sponsored by South Africa on assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia (document A/50/L.27), the Assembly would call upon all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to provide Liberia with assistance for the repatriation and resettlement of Liberian refugees, returnees and displaced persons and the rehabilitation of combatants. It would appeal to all States to contribute generously to the Trust Fund for Liberia. The Assembly would emphasize the urgent need for all parties and factions in Liberia to respect the security and safety of all United Nations personnel, as well as non-governmental organizations and the Peace Monitoring Group, and to create an atmosphere conducive to the successful resolution of the conflict.
The Secretary-General would be requested to continue to mobilize United Nations assistance for Liberia's reconstruction and development efforts. He would also be requested to undertake, when conditions permit, an overall assessment of needs, with the objective of holding a round-table conference of donors on the matter.
The report on assistance to Djibouti (document A/50/311) states that there are tens of thousands of refugees in Djibouti. The United Nations system was, thus, dealing with activities related to repatriation, food distribution and education. In addition, fighting between the Government and armed opposition groups in the northern part of the country had displaced the civilian population and had led to the recruitment of 12,000 soldiers, who now had to be demobilized.
The report reviews the activities of such agencies as the UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP and the WHO. The UNHCR branch office in Djibouti funded and supervised the assistance programme. The initial assistance budget for 1995 was $1.5 million, not including the $4 million in food assistance that had been provided by the WFP.
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Also before the Assembly was a report of the Secretary-General on international assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America (document A/50/534). The report was requested by resolution 49/21 I and describes international cooperation activities implemented since January 1995 in support of the new subregional development strategy, the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America. The report focuses on Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, but also covers some activities in support of refugees in parts of southern Mexico.
Reviewing the macroeconomic framework, the report states that public finances in the subregion deteriorated considerably as Costa Rica suffered a severe fiscal crisis, while Honduras and Nicaragua made strenuous efforts to control serious budgetary imbalances. The situation was also affected by the severe drought that hit several countries, reducing agricultural output, aggravating the already chronic energy crisis, and generating inflationary pressures. One positive factor was the improvement in trade beginning in the second half of the year.
Turning to the work of the UNDP, the report states that it seeks to promote the consolidation of peace in Central America by supporting the Alliance and focusing on three main areas: peace and governability; economic and social development; and the environment and sustainable development.
In the area of peace and governability, in Guatemala, for example, UNDP participates in the forum of representatives of countries belonging to the Group of Friends of the peace process and supports dialogue with the business sector and with those participating in the Assembly of Civil Society. In Honduras, cooperation is maintained with the Convergencia Nacional forum. Throughout the area, technical cooperation is being extended to strengthen human rights institutions (such as human rights prosecutors in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala), the civilian police in El Salvador, and State institutions under the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights in Guatemala.
In the area of economic and social development, the Regional Unit of Technical Assistance agricultural project (RUTA III) provides Central American Governments with assistance in their policies and programmes of agricultural modernization and rural reform. The project supports countries in several undertakings, including: the formulation of policies, programmes and projects for investment and technical assistance in the implementation of lending operations; the implementation of gender-specific policies on women and development; and the strengthening of sustainable agriculture.
The goal of the Regional Unit of Technical Assistance to alleviate poverty in Central America and Panama (Social RUTA) is to strengthen the capacity of national teams in the preparation and evaluation of programmes and projects, with particular emphasis on basic education, health, nutrition and
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increased funding for social investment. The project has contributed to the identification, preparation and approval of World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank loans. The UNDP has also contributed to the financing of the operations of the regional water and sanitation network.
In the area of the environment and sustainable development, UNDP's forestry development efforts include: supporting management plans for the development of forestry resources; proposed technical standards for the certification of wood products originating from sustainably managed forests; and formulation of framework forestry legislation for Central American countries. The UNDP's conservation efforts aim at establishing the Central American biological corridor by strengthening national systems of protected areas. The UNDP also supports such national efforts as a Belize coastal management plan to protect its coral reefs and a Costa Rica project to support the sustainable management of the Osa Peninsula.
A draft resolution on international assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America (document A/50/L.29) sponsored by five countries of the region -- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama -- would have the Assembly request the Secretary-General and the United Nations system to mobilize resources to put the Alliance's new strategy for integral development into effect. The Assembly would reiterate that only by solving the political, economic, social and environmental problems that are the cause of tensions and conflicts in society would it be possible to avoid a reversal of the achievements and guarantee a firm and lasting peace in Central America.
Under other provisions of that text, the Assembly would support the efforts of the Central American countries in their commitments to the alleviation of extreme poverty and the fostering of sustainable human development, and would urge their Governments to continue their efforts to formulate and implement policies and programmes relating to investment in human capital. It would stress the importance of international assistance in supporting the efforts of the Central American Governments to implement the new programme for the sustainable development in their subregion.
The report on assistance to Chernobyl (document A/50/418) states that as a result of the nuclear power plant explosion on 26 April 1986, almost 400,000 people had been forced to leave their homes and an estimated 9 million people had been, directly or indirectly, affected.
According to the report, the three most affected countries -- Belarus, Russian Federation and Ukraine -- did not have the capacity to remedy the Chernobyl effects on their own. All three countries had experienced an increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer and other health concerns, including cardiovascular and heart diseases, lung cancer, gastrointestinal inflammation, tumours and leukaemia. Children and embryos are particularly
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susceptible to the effects of radiation and, as a result, exposed children could be affected by immunological deficiencies, anaemia, neurocirculatory problems, respiratory ailments, diseases of the stomach and intestinal tract and defects of the cardiovascular system.
The report states that the response of the international community to the disaster had been inconsistent and there were disparities in amounts and kinds of assistance offered both bilaterally and by non-governmental organizations. The resources of the WHO International Programme on the Health Effects of the Chernobyl Accident (IPHECA) were almost exhausted. A concerted effort was required to keep the international community informed that Chernobyl was still a major humanitarian tragedy.
By a draft resolution on strengthening international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster (document A/50/L.26), the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to continue his efforts to implement previous resolutions on the matter and to maintain close cooperation with the United Nations agencies as well as other organizations with a view to encouraging the regular exchange of information, cooperation and coordination of efforts in those areas. Member States, particularly donor countries, as well as multilateral financial institutions and other concerned parties, would be invited to support the ongoing efforts of Belarus, Russian Federation and Ukraine -- the draft's three sponsors -- to cope with the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. The Secretary-General would be requested to appeal to Member States to intensify that assistance.
A report of the Secretary-General on emergency assistance to the Sudan (document A/50/464) is in response to the General Assembly's request in resolution 49/21K to continue to mobilize and coordinate resources and support to the Sudan Emergency Operation and Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS). The report states that since the beginning of 1995 there have been three serious incidents of kidnapping of emergency-assistance personnel, as well as at least 20 relief evacuations and an alarming trend towards hostage taking in southern Sudan. "The rash of kidnapping and the misappropriation of relief supplies are acts that must be condemned in the strongest possible terms", the report states. At the same time, the relief effort was threatened by a continued lack of donor funding, which to date had met only 29 per cent of the needs.
More positively, the total of approximately 1.2 million beneficiaries for emergency food aid during 1995 was a significant reduction compared with 1994, when 2.4 million war-affected and 1.3 million drought-affected persons in the Sudan were targeted, the report continues. Less food aid had been required because 1994 was a record harvest year. At the same time, the report says that the plight of millions of Sudanese remains a cause for grave concern. The war in southern Sudan, which began four decades ago and which, with the exception of the relative calm between 1972 and 1983, has continued
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unabated, has claimed the lives of well over 1 million persons. Hopes for conflict resolution were seriously set back when the fourth round of mediated peace talks between the Government of the Sudan and the rebel factions ended in deadlock in September 1994.
For 1995, the United Nations agencies requested $101.1 million to address the needs of the 1.2 million war-affected persons requiring food assistance, the report continues. That figure includes 719,460 displaced and war-affected persons in southern Sudan and 240,000 displaced persons in Khartoum. The United Nations appeal also included non-food aid programmes targeting 4.25 million war-affected persons, of whom 3.6 million were in southern Sudan.
The report reviews in detail the relief operations taking place in the Sudan, including the work of OLS, FAO, WFP and UNICEF, along with other United Nations and non-governmental organizations. It also contains information provided by Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan and Luxembourg on their individual aid contributions.
Begun in 1989 as a short-term programme to deliver food and other life-saving provisions, OLS has evolved considerably, the report states. While still providing food aid and basic health care to reduce mortality and morbidity among affected populations, it now carries out a much broader range of activities, which include household food security, water and sanitation, basic shelter, and primary education. Despite interruptions caused by widespread insecurity, loss of flight access to some key locations and a complex working relationship with parties to the conflict, OLS has continued to maintain basic access to the majority of the populations in need, reaching more people today than ever before.
The UNICEF activities described in the report include supplying 4,500 drug kits to more than 410 health facilities, reaching almost 4 million people. By means of an OLS barge which covered the Juba River corridor, more than 800 emergency education kits were distributed by UNICEF emergency education monitors at 25 villages. Over the past three years, the report states, UNICEF, Radda Barnen and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have reunited more than 1,200 unaccompanied minors with their families in southern Sudan.
Turning to the assistance of refugees, the report states that as of 30 June 1995, the Government of the Sudan hosted an estimated 602,697 refugees, including 514,297 Eritreans and 74,000 Ethiopians. Of these, some 346,000 refugees were accommodated in 27 settlements and eight reception centres assisted by UNHCR. A mood of reconciliation in Eritrea has encouraged the return of Eritreans irrespective of their past political, religious, social or other affiliation.
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The report of the Secretary-General on special economic assistance to Somalia (document A/50/447) states that Somalia continued to be characterized by banditry, political instability, violence and the threat of a renewed civil war. While the overall humanitarian situation had improved, those gains remained precarious in the absence of peace and effective civil institutions.
Eight organizations of the United Nations system had maintained and expanded their activities in 15 of the country's 18 regions, following the departure of the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) in early 1995, the report says. The United Nations agencies had focused on community-based efforts, adopting a low-profile regional approach and maintaining operational centres in those areas where the security of the personnel could be guaranteed.
The report adds that estimated food requirements for 1995-1996 amounted to 129,500 tons, but the pledges and the stocks of the WFP stood at 77,500 tons, which left a shortfall of 52,000 tons. Approximately 157,000 Somali refugees were still registered in camps in Kenya and another 300,000 were registered in camps in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea as of June 1995.
The Secretary-General's report on emergency assistance to Rwanda (document A/50/464) states that the relationship between some Government ministries and non-governmental organizations is now so poor that many international organizations are considering leaving Rwanda. In addition, as a result either of the genocide or the flight into exile, there is a lack of skilled native workers to rehabilitate the country.
In particular, the justice system had been almost totally destroyed by the war. Of the 750 magistrates who were working before, only 256 were still available, the rest having been killed or having fled abroad. One year after the genocide claimed the lives of more than 500,000 Rwandans, none of the leaders of that campaign, including members of the former Government and armed forces, had been brought to justice. There were arbitrary arrests and continued human rights abuses. The gross overcrowding of the prisons has already cost hundreds of lives.
In sum, in reviewing the key developments from January to September 1995, the report states that the situation in Rwanda remained very fragile. In addition to the aforementioned problems, the Government was having difficulty providing basic public services, national reconstruction and development are proceeding slowly, and some 1.8 million Rwandan refugees remain to be repatriated from neighbouring countries. In those countries, the former Rwandan Government's military forces were reported to have been rearmed and retrained in preparation for an armed invasion.
On the positive side, the report states that over the past year significant progress has been made by the Government of Rwanda and its
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international partners to restore the country to a semblance of normality. Electricity and water supplies had been partially restored, schools had reopened, the national banking system was once more functioning, and the level of agricultural production for 1995 looked promising.
The report details the assistance provided by Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and intergovernmental organizations. Summarizing, it states that substantial pledges of bilateral and multilateral assistance have been made in support of the country's recovery and lasting stability. Although the pace remained slower than many would wish, the disbursement of pledged assistance had picked up since the early months of 1995.
In reviewing the specific assistance programmes, the report states that more than 1 million Rwandan children were attending school as a result of efforts by the Government, UNICEF and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in re-establishing primary education. The World Bank and the Rwandan Government had agreed to a $50 million emergency reconstruction credit, which brought the total value of the World Bank's project portfolio to $233 million as of July 1995. The ICRC distributions peaked in November 1994 with 1.3 million beneficiaries receiving aid.
As regards the situation in the Great Lakes region in general and the possibility of further mass turmoil and conflict, the Secretary-General has said that the leaders of the region must find their own solutions to many of their grass-roots problems, that the international community no longer had the funds to deal with the myriad problems in the region, and that donor fatigue would continue to deepen unless the leaders of the region began to address key issues. To initiate preparations for a conference on peace, security and development in the region, his Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region, Jose Luis Jesus, is conducting intensive consultations with the Governments of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zaire and Kenya to ascertain their readiness in principle to participate actively in the conference and to take responsibility for its success.
Also before the Assembly was the report of the Secretary-General on special assistance to countries receiving refugees from Rwanda (document A/50/506), which states that the presence of the refugees has caused nearly irreparable environmental degradation, notably in Tanzania and Zaire. In Tanzania, forest resources have been depleted, water resources contaminated, and land degraded, with women and children being especially affected. Further, with a large number of refugees and limited resources, the result has often been conflict. In Zaire, the environmental problems are especially acute in the Virunga National Park, a World Heritage site which is rich in rare species and situated within walking distance of several refugee camps. In addition, in Burundi, the presence of the Rwandan refugees has negatively
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affected the schools and led to environmental degradation (as a result of the high consumption of firewood) and inflation in urban economies.
The report reviews the number and location of the refugees, the effect of their presence on the areas where they are located, and assistance efforts of United Nations organizations, as well as contributions by Finland, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. Some 1.8 million Rwandan refugees are still outside the country, with 1.1 million in northern and southern Kivu in Zaire. Since the war began, more than 700,000 refugees have entered Tanzania, and 200,000 have entered Burundi.
Concerning assistance efforts, the report states that, while meeting the immediate humanitarian needs of the refugees has taken precedence, whenever possible efforts have been made to assist the local population and to protect the environment. For example, in Tanzania, UNHCR has assisted with reforestation, supported improved forestry practices, and helped introduce improved fuel stoves to local communities. In Zaire, efforts have been made by UNHCR to diminish the illegal cutting of trees in the Virunga National Park and on private lands throughout eastern Zaire. Funds have been provided by UNICEF for vaccination programmes for the population of southern Kivu, water and sanitation rehabilitation and assistance to affected schools.
In conclusion, the report states that the international community will have to assist countries of asylum with repatriation, rehabilitation and reconstruction. In addition, sustained political pressure must be applied to all countries in the region for an accelerated, organized and voluntary return and subsequent reintegration.
Also concerning Rwanda, the Assembly will consider the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights field operation in Rwanda (document A/50/743). The operation, established in the wake of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda which killed from 500,000 to 1 million persons, was the first of its kind to be set up under the High Commissioner's authority. According to the High Commissioner, long-term engagement is required in Rwanda to heal the country's deep wounds.
The field operation's mandate is to carry out investigations of genocide and other rights violations, monitor the human rights situation, and promote a broad-based programme of activities in the field of human rights. Another priority for the operation is the serious situation in prisons and local detention centres. As of the end of October, the total number of detainees exceeded 58,000. The efforts of the operation are also being coordinated with the International Tribunal for Rwanda. The High Commissioner has had several meetings with the Tribunal's Prosecutor, during which he placed the operation's services at its disposal. The operation continues to maintain ongoing contact with the Office of the Deputy Prosecutor with regard to all pertinent activities.
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According to the report, from the beginning, the operation has been financed by voluntary contributions, with $7,276,859 received so far out of $17,787,341 pledged. The operation is estimated to need $9 million for the next year. Future activities would focus on the immediate challenge of returning refugees to Rwanda, as well as the medium-term phase of rehabilitating the justice system, which is in itself critical to alleviating the overcrowded conditions of detention.
Also before the Assembly is a report on assistance to the Palestinian people (document A/50/286-E/1995/113) which reviews United Nations ongoing activities in the occupied territories. In addition, it provides details on the establishment of a coordination mechanism for aid and on assistance in infrastructure, institution-building, employment generation, private sector development, education and health.
According to the report, the main donor-led body overseeing the assistance effort, the ad hoc liaison committee, decided to devolve certain aspects of donor coordination to the level of representatives in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Parallel to the establishment of donor coordination structures, the Special Coordinator in the occupied territories, Terje Roed Larsen, undertook efforts to sharpen the focus of United Nations assistance to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip through priority sector groups.
Particular attention is accorded in the report to the activities of such agencies as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and UNDP. The UNDP has concentrated its work in the area of water supply, sanitation, agriculture, industry and housing. In reviewing the unmet development needs, the report states that water infrastructure in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip is inadequate and deteriorating. There is a need to construct additional housing units, and the educational system faces critical infrastructure problems. In addition, health care facilities are poorly maintained and under-equipped.
The Palestinians, following years of limited access to public office, have an impoverished public administration capacity, according to the report. "The strategy of the United Nations system for support to institution-building is aimed at moving beyond emergency and start-up assistance to the nascent Palestinian Authority institutions towards long-term issues of building sustainable national capacities in all areas of governance."
A related report on financing of the Palestinian Police Force (document A/50/763) states that UNRWA effected payment of salaries to the Palestinian Police Force only for the month of July 1995 in the period beginning April 1995. Contributions for Police Force salaries were not received for the months April to June 1995 inclusive, nor for any month subsequent to July 1995. Therefore, salaries were not disbursed during those months.
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In the preceding period, from September 1994 to March 1995, UNRWA disbursed a total of $33.3 million in voluntary donor contributions for the salaries and start-up costs of the Palestinian Police Force.
The total bill for net salaries (base salaries plus allowances) for 9,000 policemen from September 1994 to March 1995 and July 1995 amounted to $34,669,426, of which $34,281,847 was funded, leaving a shortfall of $387,579, the report states.
The report of the Secretary-General on assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador (document A/50/45) recalls that the 12-year war in that country, which ended in 1992, caused the loss of 75,000 lives, triggered the emigration of one out of every five Salvadorans and displaced hundreds of thousands within the country. In addition, the cost of the damage to El Salvador's infrastructure is estimated at $1.6 billion. The report reviews advances in reconstruction and the strengthening of democratic institutions, while its annex contains a progress report on the principal programmes and projects relating to the process of national reconstruction.
The international community has responded generously to the financing of major infrastructure, social services and other social projects, but less so at times to the appeals for the funding of some programmes directly related to the peace agreements that are crucial to the consolidation of peace, the report states. Among the principal programmes that still require financial support are those concerning the establishment, strengthening and functioning of democratic institutions and those relating to training, credit and housing. Those are needed, in particular, to guarantee the reintegration into society of former combatants, demobilized military personnel and the poorer sectors of the population.
At the last meeting of the consultative group on El Salvador, held in June, the international community ratified or announced new pledges for the period 1995-1997 amounting to $108.5 million for projects relating to the peace agreements, the report continues. Of those pledges, $58.8 million was in donations and $50 million in loans. Cooperation resources of more than $1.3 billion were also pledged, to be allocated to the financing of national reconstruction projects, poverty alleviation and medium-term development programmes.
Under the provisions of a draft resolution on assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador (document A/50/L.30), the Assembly would urge the Government of that country to finish complying with the remaining commitments of the Peace Agreement and to continue to develop programmes and strategies designed to improve the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of the population.
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The Assembly would reaffirm that the implementation of the remaining commitments of the Peace Agreement, the continuation of the programme for national reconstruction, the strengthening of democratic institutions and the promotion of sustainable development constituted the collective goals, aspirations and needs of the country in overcoming the root causes of the crisis and consolidating peace, democracy and human development. The international community would be encouraged to respond flexibly and generously in support of the Government's efforts to achieve the objectives of the country's people.
That draft is sponsored by Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
Introduction of Draft Resolutions
EMILIO J. CARDENAS (Argentina) introduced the draft resolution on the participation of volunteers, "White Helmets", in activities of the United Nations in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical cooperation for development. Finland, India and Suriname joined in sponsoring the resolution.
JULIO ARMANDO MARTINI (Guatemala) introduced the draft resolution on international assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance for Sustainable Development of Central America, on behalf of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
VICTOR VLADIMIROV (Russian Federation) introduced the draft resolution on strengthening international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster.
FREDERICK O. BERGH (South Africa) introduced the draft resolution on assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia. "As Liberia emerges from war, it will need the empathy and support of the international community in order to achieve its rehabilitation, reconstruction and development goals. I therefore request that this draft resolution be unanimously adopted."
GUILLERMO A. MELENDEZ-BARAHONA (El Salvador) introduced the draft resolution on assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador. He said peace treaties concluded in the wake of the conflict in his country had paved the way for peace, reconstruction and economic and social development with a human face. The country had taken great strides in the political and economic fields, including through the elaboration of a civil constitution, the demobilization of the combatants, and the transition from
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emergency assistance to programmes aimed at eradicating the underlying causes of conflict, including extreme poverty and social inequity.
El Salvador needed international support in its efforts aimed at democratization and development, he said. Programmes that were crucial to the peace agreements lacked support, and if those programmes failed, the peace could be jeopardized. Despite the political will which existed to fulfil commitments, without external assistance it would be difficult to secure adequate standards of living for the poorest while moving forward to democratization and development.
RAIKO RAICHEV (Bulgaria) introduced the draft resolution on assistance to States affected by implementation of the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). He said the Council resolutions had been regarded as an important peaceful tool for bringing about the negotiated settlement of the crisis. Bulgaria and other third countries affected by the sanctions had complied strictly with those resolutions.
He welcomed Security Council resolutions 1021 (1995) and 1022 (1995), which set in motion the process of stabilization and recovery. The suspension and termination of sanctions was an important element in that process. He looked forward to the genuine implementation of the Dayton agreements and added that the accumulated economic problems of the affected States must be recognized. The need for an appropriate response by the international community had now moved to the forefront.
He said the total loss by Bulgaria was estimated at $8.5 billion. "Combined with the losses already incurred by the Bulgarian economy as a result of the sanctions against Iraq and Libya, the effect of the Yugoslav sanctions poses serious obstacles for the overall economic stabilization of the country not only in the short- and medium-, but also in the long-term perspective", he said.
ANTONIO FREIRE (Portugal) introduced the draft resolution concerning international assistance for the economic rehabilitation of Angola, adding that Australia and France had joined as sponsors. The prospects for peace in Angola were now more encouraging than ever and it was very important not to lose momentum. To that end, it was essential that the international community provide its assistance to help achieve the economic rehabilitation of Angola.
AFONSO VAN-DUNEM "MBINDA" (Angola) expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance rendered by the international community to his country, which had contributed to the alleviation of the suffering of thousands of persons in need. "However, we do realize that the humanitarian assistance alone will not solve all problems. Further measures of economic stability are needed as a preventive action." The year-old Lusaka Protocol
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had brought about the necessary conditions for the country to begin its economic reconstruction in peace. The tasks ahead were tremendous, including demining the country and meeting the needs of some 90,000 soldiers who would be demobilized.
For its part, Angola was working to alleviate the heavy burden of war and to improve the living conditions of the population. Negotiations were being held with the International Monetary Fund to solve Angola's external debt problem. Donors at the recent Round-Table Conference had demonstrated overwhelming support. His country looked forward to the fulfilment of the commitments made, so that it could proceed with its economic recovery programme.
EINAYET ABDEL HAMID (Sudan) commended the efforts of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure the continuation of Operation Lifeline Sudan. His country had spared no effort to ensure the success of that operation. The cooperation between the Sudan and the international community, represented by the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations, had been tremendous and multidimensional. His Government had increased its efforts to rescue citizens forced into displacement by the rebels in the Nuba Mountains and had built peaceful villages accommodating more than 100,000 citizens. That action had enabled the United Nations to conduct a number of assessment missions there, despite the fact that the region did not fall under the operation's mandate.
He went on to say that the Government had this month welcomed a visit from the United Nations review team. Numerous developments had taken place since the previous review, including, most importantly, the recapture by the Government of a large number of locations from the rebels. That had given rise to the need for a reallocation of relief supplies. The Government had proposed that the review team address the following issues: making public the size of the Operation's budget; conducting a population count in the rebel- held areas; and studying the impact on the peace process of the numerous reported incidents of violations of the operation.
The Government, being keen to cooperate with the United Nations, had exerted all possible efforts to secure the release of two foreign humanitarian aid workers, who had been turned over to the United Nations, he said. He stressed that the principles of transparency, effectiveness, efficiency and cost-effectiveness would not be realized unless the international community seriously considered shifting all facets of Operation Lifeline Sudan to locations inside the Sudan.
Statements
FELIPE MABILANGAN (Philippines), speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, said the resolution on coordination of
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humanitarian and disaster relief assistance adopted at the forty-sixth session provided an operational framework for coordinated international action. It was necessary to focus on the sustainability of that assistance, especially in regard to natural disasters. Natural disasters tended to affect developing countries more harshly, due to inadequate shelter and infrastructure. It was important to avoid a short-term perspective.
He said the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance depended on effectively addressing underlying political problems. The Group of 77 and China attached great importance to strengthening humanitarian assistance in the United Nations system. Greater cooperation among the Department of Humanitarian Affairs and national authorities was needed. It was also necessary to ensure adequate resources levels in the Central Emergency Revolving Fund (CERF).
He said greater attention to the personal safety of humanitarian workers was needed. Also, strengthening coordination of humanitarian assistance was particularly essential. Because of the importance of effective warning systems, there was a crucial need for the transfer of technologies to developing countries on favourable conditions and as part of technical cooperation.
HANS JACOB BIORN LIAN (Norway) said his Government welcomed the efforts of the Emergency Relief Coordinator to enhance cooperation among the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, the Department of Peace-keeping Operations and the Department of Political Affairs.
He stressed the need for coordination within countries that received different forms of humanitarian assistance. Norway believed that consolidated appeals helped to provide donors with a balanced view of total needs. It welcomed the inclusion of appeals for non-governmental organization projects in the consolidated appeals. However, the process of setting more specific priorities within the appeals could be further strengthened. Also, efforts to broaden the donor base must be intensified.
The safety of relief workers was of concern to Norway, he said. His Government urged the United Nations to continue to strengthen the safety of relief personnel. The UNHCR had called for international help in providing a tight protection network for the refugees who would, in the years to come, return to their home areas in the former Yugoslavia. His country would provide a considerable number of protection personnel, as well as financial resources for the UNHCR operation.
ROBERT R. FOWLER (Canada) said the number of people affected by complex emergencies had risen dramatically to the tens of millions. Rwanda, Somalia, Bosnia and other complex humanitarian emergencies were among the defining images of the post-cold war decade. Canada was committed to working with the
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Department of Humanitarian Affairs in fulfilling its daunting mandate. While he welcomed such effective coordination as the Department's work plan for 1996-1997 as a first step, a clearer definition of its core functions and a delineation of responsibility of United Nations agencies was needed. If the Department failed to establish priorities and to coordinate its appeals, priorities would be determined on an ad hoc basis.
The instruments mandated in Assembly resolution 46/182 were taking form, he said. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee was particularly important. Canada hoped the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions could coordinate procedures to facilitate a smooth transition from the emergency to the transition phase. He welcomed the agreement within the Inter-Agency Standing Committee to designate in-country humanitarian coordinators.
He called on the Secretary-General to improve analysis of disaster and conflict-related early warning information, particularly through the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights. Humanitarian relief was no substitute for addressing the root causes of emergencies, or to prevent them from occurring. "Our experience in Rwanda demonstrates that there is no alternative to early action if tragedy is to be averted", he said.
Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs had created a Global Issues Bureau that would enable it to emphasize preventive diplomacy. The creation of the Rapid Response Unit would strengthen the Department of Humanitarian Affairs' quick-response to crises. It was also imperative to strengthen indigenous capacities to cope with crises.
BORYS M. HUDIMA (Ukraine) said two factors should be taken into consideration in regard to humanitarian assistance: the abrupt increase in the number of people requiring assistance and the reduction of available financial resources received to that end. A mechanism to coordinate United Nations activities was required to determine priorities and resources and distinguish between stages of assistance.
He said the Ukrainian people were aware of the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster and the importance of international assistance in coping with its aftermath. The disaster had not affected only the citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, but was of a global dimension. For that reason, Ukraine had proposed 26 April 1996 as the International Day of Memory of Chernobyl. Chernobyl did not belong to the past. The problems it spawned would exist for years to come and still more resources and efforts would be required to overcome them.
He said more than 3.2 million people, including 1 million children, had been affected by the disaster and Ukraine was spending 20 per cent of its national budget on elimination of its consequences. His country had also suffered economically from complying with the sanctions regime against the
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Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). He hoped lifting them would provide an impetus towards economic development among the neighbouring States. The issue of economic assistance to third States affected by the sanctions still remained on the agenda.
He appreciated the contributions of Member States and United Nations organizations and agencies to efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the aftermath of the disaster. However, he was concerned by the lack of resources provided by the international community for tackling the medical, environmental and social problems of the States affected by the disaster. It was time to intensify practical efforts to solve the problems resulting from the disaster.
ALAN MARCH (Australia) said his country continued to support the use of national volunteer schemes, such as "White Helmets", when appropriate in humanitarian relief. It encouraged Member States to do what they could within their means to support the revised initiative.
ARTURO LACLAUSTRA (Spain), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, for the time being, had been provided with the necessary policy guidance and tools required to effectively accomplish the multitude of tasks for which it was responsible. The Department was at present strengthening the coordination of humanitarian assistance. However, urgent measures were needed to improve the funding of the Department, which had to rely on extrabudgetary funds for financing 50 per cent of its activities.
The Union was also concerned about the increasing lack of respect for principles of international law, he said. Legal procedures must be improved to provide safety to humanitarian personnel. On finances, he said, in 1994 the European Union had provided 50 per cent of all contributions received by the United Nations consolidated humanitarian appeals. The Union welcomed the initiative proposed by Argentina to promote volunteers, "White Helmets", in the activities of the United Nations in humanitarian relief. It was concerned about the substantial number of resolutions containing appeals of countries and regions for economic assistance and urged States to subscribe to a shorter, more standardized format for resolutions.
MUIN SHREIM, observer for Palestine, said that as a result of agreements reached, today the world was witnessing the redeployment of the Israeli forces from Palestinian cities, towns and villages. He hoped that the implementation process would continue as planned. "As we move into a new stage of the peace process, it is our strong hope that the international community will continue to help us to confront our new and increasing tasks, contributing towards our ability to ensure maintenance of the peace which we are striving to achieve, a peace requiring immense courage and vision and one whose pursuit entails many risks for the concerned parties."
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Israeli practices, stemming from the occupation mentality, persisted, he said. "The collective punishment of the Palestinian people is still official Israeli policy." Israeli practices, such as the sealing off of the Palestinian territory, violated the agreement reached with the Palestinians. He hoped that the international community would send a clear signal to the Israeli Government that it was in the interest of peace for it to end such practices. They served only to encourage the radical forces in the region and to undermine the goals of international assistance to the Palestinian people.
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