SAFETY AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT OF HUMANITARIAN WORKERS IN LIBERIA FOCUS OF DRAFT TEXT INTRODUCED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Press Release
GA/9170

SAFETY AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT OF HUMANITARIAN WORKERS IN LIBERIA FOCUS OF DRAFT TEXT INTRODUCED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Assembly Begins Consideration of Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Assistance

The General Assembly would deplore all attacks on and intimidation of United Nations personnel and other organizations staff working in Liberia, by the terms of one of two draft resolutions introduced this morning as it began consideration of coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance.

The Assembly would also emphasize the urgent need for the Liberian factions and their leaders to ensure the complete freedom of movement of United Nations and other humanitarian workers and to take all measures conducive to the successful resolution of the conflict. In addition to requesting the Secretary-General to mobilize assistance for the reconstruction and development of Liberia, the Assembly would call upon him to conduct needs assessment in preparation for a donor conference. The representative of Cameroon introduced that draft on behalf of the Group of African States.

The representative of Liberia said the civil war in her country had destroyed the country's economic and administrative infrastructure, making humanitarian relief essential and rendering more than a million people dependent on that assistance. Calling upon all States to contribute generously to the Trust Fund for Liberia, she noted that donor and other countries were meeting in Brussels today, under the auspices of the United Nations, to review progress towards peace and assess assistance needs.

By the terms of the second draft resolution, which was introduced by Bulgaria, the Assembly would express concern at the persisting special economic problems confronting States affected by Security Council sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Now that the sanctions regime has been lifted, the Assembly would reaffirm the need for continued international response to address the magnitude of the adverse impact of the sanctions on the economies of those States.

During discussion this morning of the United Nations efforts to strengthen delivery of humanitarian assistance and of operations in specific areas, the representative of Canada said the international community had

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learned from past experience that the response to complex humanitarian emergencies must be comprehensive and integrated. Looking at such integration in the context of the situation in eastern Zaire, he said inter-agency coordination was vital. On Saturday, in Geneva, his country would host a meeting of donors to seek agreement on key priorities for reintegration of the refugees returning to Rwanda. While Rwanda was the latest such tragedy to capture the attention of the world, it would not be the last, he added.

The representative of the United States said the United Nations was better prepared to respond to complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disaster than it was only two years ago. Along with asking the United Nations system to improve, he said that governments requiring assistance must facilitate the work of the humanitarian community. Also, Member States must make efforts to establish a sound financial basis for the Department for Humanitarian Affairs, which currently relied on voluntary contributions for 65 per cent of its funding requirements.

Statements were also made during that discussion by the representatives of Ireland (for the European Union), Norway, Lebanon, China, Mozambique, Jamaica (for the Caribbean Community), Russian Federation, Japan, Sudan, Republic of Korea and Belarus.

The Assembly will meet at 3 p.m. today to conclude its discussion on humanitarian relief.

Assembly Work Programme

The General Assembly met this morning to begin its consideration of strengthening the coordination of United Nations humanitarian and disaster relief assistance. In addition to reviewing the Secretary-General's report on the matter, the Assembly was scheduled to discuss reports on assistance to the following: Mozambique, front-line States and other neighbouring States, Liberia, States affected by Security Council sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda and the Palestinian people. The Assembly would also consider several related draft texts.

The Secretary-General's report on strengthening the coordination of humanitarian assistance (document A/51/172) states that the escalation of conflicts has caused a quantum leap in the need for humanitarian response by the international community. Other changes, in particular the implications of working in volatile and insecure environments, have become major factors in defining the role of humanitarian relief operations. Humanitarian assistance is often provided in a political context, and all too frequently constitutes the only effective response of the international community in the absence of the political will or the resources to tackle the root causes of crises.

New actors, such as the military, have appeared on the humanitarian scene and new types of tasks, such as mine clearance, demobilization and reintegration of soldiers, have to be undertaken, the report continues. Key concepts such as "relief", "rehabilitation", "reconstruction" and "development" must be redefined. In 1995, the Economic and Social Council recognized the need to review and strengthen the capacity of the United Nations system for humanitarian assistance. Recent studies undertaken in response to the Council's initiative by Member States, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions have called for review of the current institutional arrangements for the delivery and the coordination of humanitarian assistance. Concerned United Nations organizations and other bodies are working to identify imbalances in the system and chart corresponding corrections.

Strides have been made to improve the response capacity of the system, including the creation of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee to coordinate responses to pressing humanitarian issues and the Central Emergency Revolving Fund, the report notes. (Information on Fund activities is annexed to the report.) Some weaknesses remain in areas such as prevention, preparedness and contingency planning. Efforts are under way to strengthen United Nations agency guidelines for needs and capacity assessment, as well as contingency planning.

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Although it is agreed that coordination is a must, perceptions often vary on how best to translate it into coordination in the field. The main purpose of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs is to ensure timely, coherent and coordinated humanitarian responses by the international community to disasters and complex crises. Particularly, it is charged with ensuring the effective coordination of United Nations humanitarian assistance. While its coordination mechanisms have improved significantly, aspects, such as field coordination, need further improvement, the report states. The refinement of previously established coordination tools and decision-making procedures at Headquarters, regional and in-country levels will continue.

The report goes on to say that the escalating relief requirements contrasted with scarce donor resources has created an urgent need to ensure effective resource mobilizations and enhanced accountability for resource utilization. Priorities for that consideration have been determined, including the effectiveness of "flash appeals" for quick response and ways to enhance advocacy and public information strategies. In addition to financial accountability, there is a need to establish codes of conduct, performance indicators and appropriate impact measures.

However, the report continues, the fact remains that resources are more readily available for emergency cures than for prevention. With need increasing and international assistance resources shrinking, the aid community is faced with difficult choices between immediate relief, long-term reconstruction and development. While humanitarian enterprise is costly, the international community must accept the imperative that the survival needs of individuals and groups affected by emergency and disaster must be addressed.

Ultimately, the international community's capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters will depend on how well each part of the system functions, both within and outside the United Nations, the report concludes. The governing bodies of the concerned United Nations organizations and their secretariats, both individually and collectively, have been reviewing the issues, and the process is well under way.

The report on assistance to Mozambique (document A/51/560) says peace has radically improved that country's prospects for economic development and, while humanitarian assistance is still being delivered, the rate is greatly reduced. The emphasis has shifted from emergency aid to assistance for returning refugees, rehabilitation, reconstruction and development. While levels of emergency food aid to Mozambique remained high in 1995 ($135 million), other emergency non-food assistance dropped to $10 million.

Many difficulties must be confronted by the people and Government of Mozambique, including widespread poverty; low adult literacy; and unsustainable levels of external debt. In addition, a thin human resource base may represent the major block to sustained growth, development and

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capacity-building. In efforts to assist the Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to emphasis national capacity building to support reconstruction and development, the transition to a full market economy and decentralized state, and the consolidation of peace and democracy in Mozambique. In cooperation with other United Nations agencies and donors, the UNDP continued throughout 1995 to coordinate efforts at multi-donor funded programmes for poverty alleviation and national reconstruction.

The report also reviews the activities of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The report on assistance to the front-line States (document A/51/528) reviews the continued activities of the international community to extend assistance to those and other neighbouring States of southern Africa to enable them to overcome the negative consequences of destabilization in the region. It is reported that the UNDP provided technical assistance to those countries in human resource development, institution-building, agriculture and rural development, and in environment and natural resource management. In countries with special development conditions, such as Angola and Mozambique, the UNDP has carried out humanitarian assistance activities. In terms of disaster mitigation, the UNDP provided emergency assistance to Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

The WFP continues to collaborate with the front-line States, providing substantial assistance for both emergency and development operations. In addition to food distribution, the WFP implemented food-for-work projects in several countries. The WFP, together with the World Bank, has launched reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes to assist in the resettlement of refugees and internally displaced. The World Bank also works to increase the growth of export-based output and to broaden participation in economic activities.

The focus of the cooperation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with the front-line States has been on financial assistance, external debt and aid coordination, policy advice, surveillance and technical assistance. The report reviews the work of other agencies including the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as well as cooperation provided by China, Germany, Kuwait and New Zealand.

The report on assistance to Liberia (document A/51/303) states that more than 1.5 million people in that country remain dependent on relief aid. The continuing uncertainty and volatility of the situation prevents humanitarian assistance from being delivered according to the pre-established plan for moving the country from relief to sustainable development.

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The report notes that the cease-fire and relative tranquillity which followed the 1995 Abuja Agreement allowed delivery of humanitarian assistance to parts of the country which had been inaccessible. However, fighting in April and May in Monrovia decimated the activities of the humanitarian community in Liberia. Due to looting, property destruction and other events any attempt to re-establish programmes would entail massive reinvestment in all areas. For that reason, the humanitarian assistance community, particularly the non-governmental organizations, have decided to limit their operation to life-saving activities, using existing resources only.

Despite serious setbacks, efforts of the United Nations system to support the peace process and to deliver humanitarian assistance continue. The report reviews those efforts, including the work of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), as well as discussing the work of the Economic Community of West African States' Monitoring Observer Group (ECOMOG). While the present deployment of humanitarian organizations could address immediate and small-scaled emergencies, it is inadequately equipped and staffed to respond effectively to any major emergency, epidemic or disaster. None the less, the assistance community has not entertained the idea of a complete withdrawal.

The report on assistance to States affected by sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (document A/51/356) says that the suspension of the sanctions regime which came in the wake of the Dayton Peace Accord has opened the way for gradual resumption of economic relations with the Republic. Thus, the burden on the neighbouring and other States of the region has been eased.

However, the report continues, Bulgaria, Hungary and Ukraine have asserted that they have incurred significant economic losses and costs as a result of the sanctions regime, particularly from the disruption of traditional transport links in the region. Due to the long-term impact on the economies and social situation, these States call upon the international community to continue to pay special attention to the persisting problems. Two States have requested specific support to alleviate negative effects. The need to enhance regional economic cooperation is highlighted, especially in regard to transport and infrastructure.

Components of the United Nations system, notably the international financial institutions, continue to implement financial and technical assistance programmes in the affected countries. Reassessments have been made to respond to the changed situation, the report notes, with the World Bank having examined project redesign and fund reallocation under existing loans. The IMF has ensured that the affected countries, when eligible, have access to its resources, receive the approval of new financing and make drawings for special facilities. However, new funding resources are needed for long-term efforts.

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As the focus of the United Nations humanitarian assistance programme in the former Yugoslavia shifts from emergency relief to providing for the return of millions of refugees and displaced persons, the long-term support projects open new possibilities for suppliers from those countries. The neighbouring countries should be encouraged to participate actively in international support for rehabilitation, reconstruction and development efforts in the former Yugoslavia.

By the terms of a related draft resolution (document A/51/L.22), the Assembly would reaffirm the need for continued international response to deal more effectively with the special economic problems of the affected States in the period following the lifting of sanctions. It would renew its invitation to the international financial institutions to pay special attention to the problems of those States and renew its request to the United Nations bodies to consider those needs in their development activities.

Also by that draft, the Assembly would renew its appeal to all States, on an urgent basis, to provide technical, financial and material assistance to the affected States to mitigate the continuing adverse impact of the sanctions. Also, affected States would be encouraged to continue regional cooperation efforts in cross-border infrastructure projects and the promotion of trade investments. United Nations and other agencies would be encouraged to take steps to broaden access for supplies, particularly from affected States, to participate actively in the post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation of the former Yugoslavia.

The draft is sponsored by Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the United States.

The report on assistance to Djibouti says the main cause of the problems being confronted in that country are due to displacement of large populations caused by the conflicts in the Horn of Africa. Recurring emergency situations -- drought, floods, epidemics -- and the destruction of livestock, water sources, health and education facilities due to war in Djibouti have clearly increased the need for emergency and humanitarian assistance.

The United Nations bodies active in Djibouti have coordinated efforts to respond to the growing social and economic problems of the refugees. In addition, efforts are under way to resettle refugees in camps. The repatriation of persons to Ethiopia has somewhat alleviated the pressures created by refugees, displaced persons and illegal immigrants, the report continues.

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The report highlights the need to support the Government's demobilization programme, as part of the larger context of rehabilitation and development. In addition, external support will be needed to rehabilitate or reconstruct aspects of the social system. Rehabilitation efforts will require an international presence, to assist with technical support and to provide a sense of security.

On assistance to Somalia (document A/51/315), the Secretary-General's report states that, with few exceptions, northern Somalia has witnessed conditions conducive to rehabilitation and reconstruction activities. However, the humanitarian and security situation in most of the southern part of the country has worsened and there are increasingly high levels of vulnerability and hardship. The survival of an important segment of the population, particularly internally displaced persons, women, children, remains dependent on the provision of relief assistance. Throughout the country, inter-clan fighting, lawlessness and the absence of a recognized national government were major factors hindering the flow of humanitarian assistance.

In spite of insecurity and related operational difficulties, the report says the United Nations agencies and their international and Somalia partners have succeeded in delivering substantial emergency and rehabilitation assistance. While funding constraints and security conditions have affected many programmes, 13 United Nations agencies and other organizations continue to provide food support and assistance in health service, clean water supply, education and other fields. A high degree of flexibility has been adopted to deal with the complex situation in Somalia. Efforts of the United Nations and its partners during the last year have prevented the country from slipping back into an acute emergency phase.

The diminishing donor resources available for Somalia have been a major constraint facing humanitarian operations, the report says. Last year's inter-agency appeal generated contributions of $28.6 million, just over 30 per cent of requirements. Also frustrating relief efforts are the continued destruction of property, violence and the closure of the port of Mogadishu. To address the complex situation, characterized by starkly different assistance requirements in different regions, United Nations agencies are in the process of developing a resource mobilization strategy and appeal documents that reflect the problematic context of the operations.

The report on assistance to the Sudan (document A/51/326) describes the recent United Nations humanitarian efforts as severely constrained due to the Government's escalation of a unilateral initiative to control the flow of relief assistance. Beginning last summer, the Government imposed unprecedented control over food relief delivered through Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) -- an initiative launched in 1989 following agreement by the Government and the rebel movement to allow the United Nations access to

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affected populations. The ability of the OLS to maintain access was severely tested at precisely the time when the assistance budgets of many donors were overextended. That resulted in a major shortfall in financial resources, with contributions meeting only 20 per cent of the $107.6 million inter-agency appeal in August.

Planned relief operations have been seriously disrupted due to the new Government restrictions, which have been applied in direct contradiction to the Government of the Sudan's repeated commitments to assist United Nations humanitarian efforts. The growing difficulties relating to access, led to the first comprehensive review of Operation Lifeline in August. The review's findings and recommendations will be critically important in charting the future of humanitarian activities in the Sudan, the report concludes.

The Secretary-General's report on assistance to Burundi (document A/51/464) states that the economic, financial, material and technical assistance provided by Member States, the United Nations system and others has been greatly reduced due to the increasing insecurity and the lack of progress on initiatives aimed at political reconciliation. Clearly, emergency humanitarian assistance has also been affected by operational difficulties and the sanctions imposed on Burundi by the regional African States following the military coup in July. The intense fighting and attacks on civilians since the end of 1995 have worsened the humanitarian situation while reducing the ability of the humanitarian community to reach people in need or to plan for longer-term interventions. Also, the politicization of the inter-ethnic conflict has made it more difficult for humanitarian organizations to be perceived as neutral. Threats against humanitarian personnel occur regularly, forcing a number of agencies to suspend or end their activities.

At a meeting in November 1995, donors made it clear that they would not pledge additional funding to Burundi until the political and justice situation improved and until guarantees were given on the security of humanitarian personnel. The next month, a series of attacks targeting humanitarian organizations led all humanitarian organizations, with the exception of the UNHCR, to temporarily suspend activities. The prevailing insecurity and recent political changes have led relief organizations to operate in a "stop-and-go" manner which has prevented the adoption of a longer-term development approach for Burundi. Past United Nations activities have included efforts to protect Rwandan refugees in the north-east, while continuing to encourage voluntary repatriation. The WFP and UNICEF endeavoured to implement nutrition and education programmes. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provided assistance in emergency situations.

The United Nations will continue to work with the regional governments to ensure that essential humanitarian supplies reach the most in need, the report says. However, in recent weeks, most basic services in Burundi have

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ceased to function and the possibility of further deterioration of the security situation in that country is evident. The ongoing work of the United Nations and its partners in Burundi to develop contingency planning is thus crucial. Regardless of the extent of outside assistance, the suffering of the Burundi population will continue until they, themselves, muster the political will to solve the country's difficulties.

The report on assistance to Rwanda (document A/51/353), of 12 September, reviews the activities in Rwanda as well as efforts led by the UNHCR to encourage the voluntary return of refugees. The 1994 genocide and ensuing devastation of the legal system led to enduring problems that must still be addressed. The tasks facing the Government of Rwanda are to end impunity; compensate victims of the genocide; ensure fair trials; provide humane conditions for detainees; and train judges, prosecutors and investigators.

In order to carry out those tasks and facilitate the reintegration of refugees, the Government of Rwanda requires enhanced assistance in capacity- building from the international community. Important steps have already been taken to reorganize the public administration infrastructure and the legal system, and now this needs to be put into action. Projects covering the major areas of rehabilitation have been designed by the international community in conjunction with the Government, but the implementation process needs to be strengthened to ensure continued progress towards development.

Also before the Assembly is a report of the Secretary-General on assistance to the Palestinian people (document A/51/171-E/1996/75), of 21 June. It contains an assessment of the assistance actually received by the Palestinian people and an assessment of the needs still unmet, and specific proposals for responding actively to them. The report covers the period from June 1995 through June 1996. It addresses United Nations assistance in education, employment generation, health, infrastructure, institution-building and private sector development.

Statements on Humanitarian Assistance

RAIKO RAICHEV (Bulgaria) introduced the draft text on economic assistance to States affected by Security Council sanctions on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. While the sanctions regime had been lifted, the long- term impact on the economies of third States persisted. The draft resolution now before the Assembly retained the main thrust of pervious resolutions on the issue, while reflecting the new developments during the past year. It reaffirmed the continuing need for practical measures to mitigate the negative impact of the sanctions on the affected States,

JEAN-MARC MPAY (Cameroon), speaking for the African Group of States, introduced the draft resolution on assistance to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia. The Economic Community of West African States

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(ECOWAS) members had taken positive initiatives to bring peace and reconciliation to Liberia. The ECOMOG's work in the area of peace-keeping and security had prevented a complete disintegration of the situation there. The draft text was similar to past resolutions on the matter while including amendments to address recent developments.

He said that aspects of the text would have the Assembly express its gratitude to all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that had assisted in the relief and rehabilitation efforts of the Liberian National Transitional Government and urge such assistance be continued. The Assembly would also express its appreciation to the Secretary- General for his continuing efforts to mobilize relief and rehabilitation assistance for Liberia. States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations would be called upon to continue to provide Liberia with technical, financial and other assistance for the repatriation and resettlement of Liberian refugees, returnees and displaced persons.

He noted that the draft text would also have the Assembly reiterate its appeal to all States to contribute generously to the Trust Fund for Liberia established by the Secretary-General to assist ECOMOG in fulfilling its mandate and to provide assistance for the reconstruction of Liberia. The Assembly would also emphasize the urgent need for the factions and other leaders in Liberia to respect fully the security and safety of all personnel of the United Nations and of other organizations by ensuring their complete freedom of movement throughout Liberia, and to take all measures necessary to create an atmosphere conducive to the successful resolution of the conflict.

In addition, the Secretary-General would be requested to continue his efforts to mobilize United Nations assistance to help the Liberian Government in its reconstruction and development issues. The Secretary-General would also be requested to undertake, when conditions permitted, an overall needs assessment with the objective of holding a round-table conference of donors for reconstruction and development of Liberia.

JOHN H.F. CAMPBELL (Ireland), spoke on behalf of the European Union, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia and Liechtenstein. He said the Union, at a special meeting of European Development and Humanitarian Aid Ministers, had expressed full support for the efforts of the United Nations, regional leaders and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to facilitate a resolution of the conflict in the Great Lakes region. On a visit to Zaire and Rwanda a group of those Ministers found that the United Nations agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the non-governmental organizations were well prepared, under the prevailing circumstances, for the tasks of delivering humanitarian relief and voluntary repatriation of the refugees. The European Union also welcomed the promptness with which the Flash Consolidated Appeal for resources was launched.

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An even greater challenge to the international community, apart from events such as the crisis in the Great Lakes region, was to work towards the prevention of natural disasters, and to facilitate a smooth transition from humanitarian assistance towards rehabilitation and long-term development. Some progress had been made by the United Nations system on strengthening the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance, but it was obvious that greater efforts were needed to improve the system's capacity to respond effectively, especially in the field. The Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals Process had worked adequately, but could be improved through more coherence in presentations and humanitarian strategies based on greater prioritization. The other resource mobilization toll, the Central Emergency Revolving Fund, had shown its value again in the present crisis.

JAKKEN BIORN LIAN (Norway) expressed his appreciation for the thorough and systematic work of the different United Nations organizations as well as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. He added that there was need to clarify the institutional responsibilities of the agencies within the United Nations system. The growing number of internally displaced people represented a special challenge regarding assistance, reintegration and relationships with local authorities.

Norway, he recalled, had strongly supported the creation of the Department for Humanitarian Affairs to ensure a coordinated international response to humanitarian emergencies. The Department had improved its tools for coordination, among them the consolidated appeals process. However, it often submitted numerous appeals in addition to the consolidated ones, such as had occurred in relation to the ongoing crisis in eastern Zaire. It was essential, he underlined, for donor governments to be informed about the overall priorities of the United Nations system in an emergency situation.

Another tragic event, that the international community had been unable to prevent, had occurred in the Great Lakes region. So as to try to reduce the risk of open conflicts breaking out, Norway had established an emergency preparedness system which enabled it to call on staff and material resources at very short notice. Norway had also proposed the establishment of a fund, at the disposal of the Secretary-General, for rapid and preventive action. Still, much remained to be done in the field of prevention and contingency planning.

SAMIR MOUBARAK (Lebanon) noted that the report of the Secretary-General had concluded that there was likely to be an increasing need for humanitarian assistance around the world. It had also recognized the need for the international community to assist in rebuilding war-torn communities. He supported the need to form a strategic framework for a holistic approach to the recovery needs for countries facing such crises, and endorsed the point that humanitarian assistance must be part of an integrated development strategy.

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Lebanon had always maintained that post-conflict peace-building should be treated in an exceptional manner to complement activities employed during emergencies. Everyone might recognize the needs of a post-conflict peace- building country, he said, noting that when the war in his country ended, almost everything had been damaged. He was appreciative of the role of the United Nations system and the international community towards his severely- battered country.

YUAN SHAOFU (China) noted that the item on humanitarian assistance had been under discussion in the Assembly for five years. It was known to all that natural disasters and armed conflicts had resulted in the loss of many lives and countless refugees in recent times. There were always appeals to the international community for assistance, he stated, and such humanitarian assistance demand always exceeded supply. He suggested that the Department of Humanitarian Affairs continue to successfully coordinate the efforts of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance agencies, further strengthen the management of the central emergency revolving fund and mobilize the developed countries to make more contributions to expand the available resources. Those would improve the capacity for prompt response to various disaster relief needs.

He pointed out that 1996 was the year of international poverty eradication. It was essential to mobilize the international community to provide disaster-stricken areas with timely assistance. He further suggested that disaster relief assistance be combined with development assistance so as to help the governments of disaster-stricken countries accelerate economic development and strengthen their capability to prevent and fight disasters. China supported the central role played by the United Nations in coordinating various assistance activities, and endorsed the efforts to provide special economic assistance to Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Afghanistan and other countries, as well as to the Palestinian people. He expressed "serious concern" over the status of millions of refugees, internally-displaced persons and returnees in the Great Lakes region of Africa. It was necessary to provide them with emergency humanitarian assistance, and the international community shoudl respond as soon as possible.

CARLOS DOS SANTOS (Mozambique) said the end of the war in his country had allowed for a shift from emergency aid to rehabilitation, reconstruction, reintegration and development. Basic social services were being constructed, with the support of the international community, in order to establish conditions for the repatriation and resettlement of refugees. So far, the repatriation programme in his country had been regarded as one of the largest and most successful ever undertaken by the UNHCR. Despite achievements, the external debt burden impeded efforts to improve the living standard of the population. Mozambique hoped that the international financial institutions would quicken debt relief efforts.

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The demining programmes of the Government of Mozambique had not ended the deaths caused by anti-personnel land-mines, he continued. While his Government maintained the policy of launching agricultural production activities in areas where demining had been completed, additional resources and new technologies were needed to effectively address the problem. His country supported the completion of an international agreement to ban the production, stockpiling and use of anti-personnel land-mines.

M. PATRICIA DURRANT (Jamaica), on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said progress had been made in strengthening coordination and cooperation among the organizations of the United Nations and other agencies in humanitarian and disaster relief assistance. New challenges and competing needs had highlighted the need to establish financial mechanism to support coordination, both within the multifaceted humanitarian arena and with other elements of the international system.

The countries of CARICOM acknowledged the importance of ongoing work in database and information compilation in a variety of critical areas, such as the Humanitarian Early Warning System, she said. While it was important to strengthen such systems, the regular channels of communication with field offices and regional information systems must be maintained. New technologies, particularly in data gathering and communications, had made prediction of natural disasters easier.

None the less, she continued, the damage to the infrastructure of developing countries caused by natural phenomena had increased. In the Caribbean, natural disasters had proven to be almost as destructive as war and civil strife. She welcomed the work of the Department for Humanitarian Affairs and the Secretariat to coordinate responses to natural disasters. The threat of natural disaster had led the Caribbean countries to strengthen both national and regional institutions and mechanisms relating to natural disaster preparedness, mitigation, responses and recovery. International support and assistance from the United Nations were indispensable to the successful implementation of the Secretary-General's recommendations relating to the needs of the Caribbean region.

ALEXANDER GORELIK (Russian Federation) said his Government was greatly worried by an emerging trend of donor fatigue and unequal interest demonstrated towards some operations, despite persisting humanitarian needs. The Humanitarian Early-Warning System and consolidated inter-agency appeals played a unique role in those situations. At the same time, there was a need for all organizations to demonstrate a high level of flexibility and responsiveness.

The latest developments in Afghanistan visually demonstrated how the protracted "abandoned" humanitarian crisis could be instantly inflamed and move to the top of the agenda of the international community. The current

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situation in the Great Lakes region was also confirming the potential explosiveness of "incompleteness" in conflict settlement and post-conflict rehabilitation. Russia, he said, was among those who were actively exploring ways to provide humanitarian support to the population in that region. From 1995 to mid-1996, Russia had provided assistance to 18 countries and 15,000 metric tonnes of aid, directed both to its closest neighbours -- Azerbaijan, Georgia, Tajikistan -- and to other countries in Asia and Africa.

Today's crises, unstable situations which could be described as "half-war, half-peace", called for the strengthening of the funding arrangements, and an increase in the complementarity and coordination of all actors involved.

HISASHI OWADA (Japan) said the United Nations system as a whole should strengthen its capacity to respond to emergencies. Coordination would be enhanced only if each organization and agency was aware of its own specialized field of activities and tried to work together as an organic whole. Regarding the coordination at Headquarters' level, the Department for Humanitarian Affairs had to be the conceptual centre for such coordination, though it should not get into the operational field.

Coordination could be most effective when conducted by one lead agency, designated among the various implementing agencies, on a case-by-case criteria of expertise. Also, there was a need to think through the problem of how to effect a smooth transition from emergency relief to rehabilitation and development. Regarding displaced persons, each agency should be responsible for those internally displaced persons within the scope of its own mandate; together, the humanitarian agencies should try to cope with a specific situation through a coordinated framework of cooperation. The creation of that framework required further study.

The Central Emergency Revolving Fund had been effective, but should not be used for protracted emergencies; there was also no need to expand it at present, as its levels had now rebounded to a satisfactory level, he concluded.

ELFATIH ERWA (Sudan) said that Operation Lifeline Sudan, which had now lasted for seven years as coordinated by the United Nations, had become an unprecedented experience in regard to humanitarian policies worldwide. In the Sudan, safe corridors had been created, without the need of military force and without trespassing on national sovereignty. The Operation was a modern example of how to deal with those situations, one of the most important ways to confidence-building and peace settlement. Operation Lifeline deserved consideration in other areas of the world. However, the economic viability of the operation should be looked into. Air transportation had been used consistently, ignoring land and river transportation which have been used. Also, the distribution of relief should be the result of surveys and no other

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considerations. The United Nations role in coordinating the relief operation should be carried out with the collaboration of the Sudan, which could not abandon its sovereignty, he stressed.

Operation Lifeline should continue, but the Sudanese Government felt there had been a drop in the finances of the operation. Two humanitarian workers had been kidnapped and tortured, and the Sudanese Government believed that such incidents would undermine the operation; it did not object to joint work and joint teams, along with the rebels, in humanitarian tasks; but voluntary organizations working in the rebel areas should respect Sudanese laws.

Land-mines constituted a serious threat -- the Sudan was the third most heavily-mined country in Africa. A national committee was established to protect the population; assistance from developed countries was needed and appreciated. The Sudan would continue its support of Operation Lifeline and believed it would move quickly from relief to production and active participation in development and self-sufficiency.

ROBERT R. FOWLER (Canada) said the international community had learned from past experience that the response to complex humanitarian emergencies must be comprehensive and integrated. The Joint Evaluation of Emergency Assistance to Rwanda had emphasized that the political/diplomatic, military/peace-keeping, humanitarian, human rights and development aspects had become inextricably intertwined. An effective response must take all those elements into account.

Looking at such integration in the context of the situation in eastern Zaire, and in considering the need for inter-agency coordination in all aspects of a complex emergency, Canada saw particular promise in the work of the Military and Civilian Defence Unit established by the Department for Humanitarian Affairs. Extremely close cooperation between the Unit and the UNHCR, UNICEF, the WHO and the WFP remained vital. He encouraged other agencies to identify specific requirements for military and civilian defence assets.

He said that, in the absence of secure available resources to meet a crisis, coordinated fund-raising was necessary for humanitarian assistance. United Nations regular budget allocations to the Department for Humanitarian Affairs should be increased. On Saturday, in Geneva, his country would host a meeting of donors to seek agreement on key priorities for reintegration of the refugees returning to Rwanda. While Rwanda was the latest such tragedy to capture the attention of the world, it would not be the last. It was critical to build on the lessons learned, and take the steps required to ensure the most effective possible coordination of United Nations efforts in future humanitarian emergencies.

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SUNG-HONG CHOI (Republic of Korea) said he shared the view in the Secretary-General's report that ensuring effective coordination between the various United Nations organs in humanitarian assistance operations was of overriding importance. Given the lack of funds available for the purpose, the need to increase the efficiency of United Nations organs was more important than ever. He said efforts must be made to draw a clearer delineation of responsibility among the various United Nations agencies and programmes involved in humanitarian assistance. It had also become necessary to prioritize the various assistance operations, and to strengthen coordination and cooperation in the field.

He said there was a need to forge a stronger link between relief operations and rehabilitation and development activities, and he welcomed actions by UNICEF, the UNHCR and the UNDP to integrate rehabilitation activities into development. But such linkage made necessary a clearer division of labour between humanitarian organs and development programmes. It was important to improve the monitoring and evaluation mechanism of United Nations humanitarian assistance operations, and he welcomed efforts to establish a "Humanitarian Early Warning System" to help identify potential crises with humanitarian implications. United Nations organs involved in emergency assistance should work on improving their access to information on the actual extent of damage and on the degree of self-help undertaken.

VICTOR MARRERO (United States) said the United Nations was better prepared to respond to complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disaster than it was only two years ago. It had better coordination, inter-agency cooperation had improved and a military and civil defence unit had been established to facilitate timely, sufficient and cost-effective military and civil defence support to humanitarian agencies. The Department for Humanitarian Affairs was now the United Nations focal point for humanitarian mine-clearance activities. The effects of the current Great Lakes crisis could have been far worse had there not been inter-agency contingency planning and pre-positioning in the region. Information from United Nations agencies, the Department for Humanitarian Affairs and other international organizations on the Reliefweb had been critical to keeping interested parties current on the rapidly evolving crisis.

While coordination at Headquarters had improved, field coordination remained less than optimal, he said. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee had not yet lived up to its potential. Also, a means of ensuring a successful transition from humanitarian relief to sustainable recovery had not yet been developed. Recommending ways to improve the current situation, the United States reiterated its support for the leadership and coordination role of the Emergency Relief Coordinator. The role of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee should be strengthened to ensure quick inter-agency decision-making in crisis situations. Those involved in emergency situations should utilize Reliefweb

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so that it could achieve its potential as the global information system for the dissemination of information on emergencies and natural disasters.

Along with asking the United Nations system to improve its provisional humanitarian assistance and the transition to development, governments must also do their part, he said. It was essential for all States whose populations were in need of humanitarian assistance to facilitate the work of the humanitarian community. They must also ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel. Governments must give coherent directions to governing bodies of United Nations organizations in order to promote cooperation between those organizations and the Department for Humanitarian Affairs.

Also, Member States must make efforts to establish a sound financial basis for the Department for Humanitarian Affairs. It was unacceptable that the Department relied on voluntary contributions for 65 per cent of its funding requirements. Member States and the Secretary-General should explore ways to achieve an adequate level of financing for the Department from the United Nations regular budget for the 1998-1999 biennium.

FAMATTA R. OSODE (Liberia) said the civil war in her country had destroyed its economic and administrative infrastructure, making humanitarian assistance essential. Inside Liberia, there were more than a million people in need of humanitarian aid. Although the United Nations was overburdened by the ever-increasing demand for emergency and humanitarian assistance, it was the only global organization equipped to provide relief to the suffering millions.

The people of Liberia, well aware of the challenges they must face, were hopeful that international assistance would be generous. A ministerial meeting of donor countries and the ECOWAS Committee of Nine on Liberia was being held today in Brussels under the auspices of the United Nations, he said. Progress towards peace would be reviewed and the assistance needed would be assessed. In Liberia, ECOMOG had conducted reconnaissance missions at assembly points for the disarmament operations which were scheduled to begin in November and be completed by February 1997. He called upon all States to contribute to the Trust Fund for Liberia so that setbacks to disarmament efforts could be avoided.

ULADZIMIR GERUS (Belarus) referred to some aspects of the international interaction in mitigation of the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant catastrophe. He noted a letter from the President of Belarus to the Secretary-General specifying the country's strategies for developing long-term international cooperation in the second post-Chernobyl decade.

Such had been the scale of the consequences, he said, that Belarus -- which experienced 70 per cent of the fallout from Chernobyl -- had been compelled to allocate up to one quarter of its national revenue to resolving

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post-Chernobyl problems. That was why the Government of Belarus attached such importance to United Nations activities to mobilize international assistance for Belarus and other countries worst affected by Chernobyl.

On the efforts to minimize the consequences of the disaster, he said the main problem continued to be that of financing the list of priority Chernobyl programmes and projects reviewed by the United Nations in 1995. The economy was gradually recovering from the damage caused by the disaster; those efforts continued to be a priority in the Government's socio-economic and scientific and technological programmes. It was, however, in dire need of international financial and technical assistance to support the long-term medical programmes being carried out with the participation of the WHO, which would have the greatest effect on the rehabilitation and sustainable development of the affected districts. He proposed that, at its meeting next month, the Quadripartite Committee for Coordination on Chernobyl should specify the phases and modalities for advancing medical and environmental projects and programmes, with a view to ensuring the sustainable economic and social development of Belarus and other countries in transition which had found themselves in critical circumstances as a result of the disaster. Among "priority areas" for post-Chernobyl cooperation with Belarus, he proposed consolidation in the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations of a long-term policy approach to solving the problems caused by the disaster, and the dissemination of balanced and objective information among the affected population and throughout the world.

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