ASSEMBLY HEARS CALLS TO BETTER ENSURE SAFETY OF HUMANITARIAN PERSONNEL, OPENING DEBATE ON UN HUMANITARIAN AND DISASTER-RELIEF ASSISTANCE
Press Release
GA/9503
ASSEMBLY HEARS CALLS TO BETTER ENSURE SAFETY OF HUMANITARIAN PERSONNEL, OPENING DEBATE ON UN HUMANITARIAN AND DISASTER-RELIEF ASSISTANCE
19981116 Drafts Introduced on Assistance to Nicaragua, Niger, Comoros, Mozambique, Liberia and KazakhstanCalls to strengthen the safety and security of humanitarian personnel dominated the General Assembly discussion this morning as it met to consider how to better coordinate humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance provided by the United Nations.
The representative of Liechtenstein said the widespread targeting of civilians and abuse of humanitarian assistance for political purposes was deplorable. One of the most troublesome developments in connection with humanitarian assistance was the increasingly difficult and dangerous circumstances in which it had to be provided. To ensure effective humanitarian assistance, the safety of humanitarian workers must be guaranteed.
Many speakers this morning also drew attention to the issue of funding humanitarian programmes. The representative of Austria, speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated countries, said that it was clearly wrong that a core function of the United Nations -- coordination and provision of humanitarian assistance -- was not fully funded from the regular budget. To redress that anomaly, the Assembly should take concrete action to finance the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs core requirements from the regular budget in the next few years.
The representative of Malaysia said it was important for the United Nations to have the means and resources to assist disaster-prone countries to incorporate disaster prevention and preparedness into their overall developmental plans. Effective early-warning systems for natural disasters could avert or mitigate losses and protect resources. The developing countries lack of resources must be taken into account when formulating the United Nations humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance programmes.
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The representative of Japan said countries and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which had responded to the situation in the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan, resulting from nuclear testing as well as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, should share their experiences. To promote effective and efficient international support, Japan was ready to host a conference or symposium, in cooperation with the relevant United Nations bodies and the Government of Kazakhstan, at the earliest possible date next year.
Also this morning, the representative of Nicaragua introduced a draft resolution on international assistance to Nicaragua. The representative of the Sudan introduced the drafts on assistance to Niger, the Comoros, Mozambique and Liberia. The representative of Kazakhstan also introduced a draft on assistance to the Semipalatinsk region.
Statements were made by the representatives of Mexico, Ukraine, China, the observer for Palestine, India, and the Republic of Korea. The Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh also addressed the Assembly.
The Assembly will meet again this afternoon to continue its consideration of the strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations; including special economic assistance to individual countries or regions, and to take action on related draft resolutions.
Assembly Work Programme
When the General Assembly meets this morning, it will begin discussion of strengthening coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance.
As part of that review, the Assembly will consider: safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel, and assistance to the Palestinian people. The Assembly will also debate aspects of economic assistance to individual countries and regions.
Safety and Security of Personnel
According to the Secretary-General's report on safety and security of humanitarian personnel and United Nations personnel (document A/53/501), which covers the period from July 1997 through June 1998, there has been a dramatic escalation of attacks on United Nations personnel, both civilian and military. "Never before has the Organization recorded so many deliberate, wanton incidents in which personnel have been directly targeted by warring factions or criminals who make a mockery of principles on which the United Nations was built", he says.
The Secretary-General asks whether exposing the Organization's most valuable resource -- its staff -- to such high risks could continue. In the absence of vigorous action by Member States, the balance between providing assistance and providing security becomes increasingly difficult to find. When conditions become excessively dangerous, when no action is taken to punish perpetrators of violence against staff, when humanitarian or human rights actions become pawns of war, the Secretary-General says he may have no option but to withdraw staff. United Nations personnel can no longer be expected to fill vacuums created by political inaction on the part of Member States, the Secretary-General says.
The Secretary-General notes that of the 162 attacks on personnel reported since 1 January 1992, in only one case have the perpetrators been caught and brought to justice. He calls on Member States to ensure that any attacks committed against United Nations personnel be properly investigated, and that measures be taken against those found guilty. Furthermore, he urges development of international legal machinery to find and seize the assets of the guilty.
The Secretary-General firmly believes that the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the 1947 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies constitute a critical element in the protection of staff members and their dependants from arrest and detention. Therefore, he invites States that have not become a party to the Conventions to consider ratifying or acceding to them. He also invites
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States that have not done so to become a party to the Convention of the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.
The Secretary-General says the General Assembly's decision to examine the reports on privileges and immunities on a biennial basis is inadequate, and may even be detrimental to the fate of staff members who are so detained. Therefore, he recommends that the Assembly continue to consider these reports on an annual basis.
The cost of providing security is the price of implementing successfully the Organization's mandated activities, the Secretary-General states. A priority is the funding of security. The establishment of the security trust fund, outlined in the report, will provide urgently needed resources to enable the Secretary-General to implement many of the required security measures. In addition to supporting and contributing to the fund, what was also required was an in-depth discussion and a decision to place funding of security on a firm footing so that he does not need to rely on the fund.
The Secretary-General appeals to all Member States for their support of the training and stress management initiatives undertaken by the Office of the United Nations Security Coordinator. It is no longer acceptable that staff members carrying out United Nations mandates be expected to serve at high-risk duty stations without being trained and briefed regarding basic security, he says.
Annexed to the report are: decision of the ACC on staff security; consolidated list of staff members under arrest and detention or missing and with respect to whom the Organization, its specialized agencies and related organizations have been unable to exercise fully their right to protection; list of staff members who have lost their lives since 1 July 1997; information submitted by individual organizations and United Nations subsidiary organs and offices for joint subsidiary organs for inclusion; and a list of United Nations programmes, funds, offices, missions, specialized agencies and related organizations that were requested to provide information for inclusion.
Strengthening Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance
The Secretary-General's report (document A/53/139) includes review of the efforts of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee to strengthen the Organization's capacity in humanitarian assistance. It also describes the implementation of aspects of the United Nations reform programme aimed at strengthening the Office of the Emergency Relief Coordinator through enhanced focus on three core functions: policy development and coordination; advocacy of humanitarian issues; and coordination of humanitarian emergency response.
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The report states that in the past year there has been further erosion in the respect for humanitarian principles, both in terms of denial of access to people in need and through deliberate violence against civilians and aid workers. Of serious concern was the gap between humanitarian needs identified by the United Nations and the funding provided by donors. The issue was one that must be addressed on several fronts, including through new efforts to strengthen the knowledge of humanitarian principles among combatants in all kinds of conflicts. The report catalogues substantial progress in reinforcing and improving mechanisms for the coordination of humanitarian assistance programmes, both at Headquarters and in the field. Annexed to the report are United Nations consolidated inter-agency humanitarian assistance appeals.
Special Economic Assistance
The Secretary-General's report on international assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Nicaragua (document A/53/291) notes that during the past two years, democracy has been consolidated, as reflected in the holding of elections for President, Vice-President and the National Assembly. The New Liberal Alliance Government took power on 10 January 1997. In its first year, the new Government enjoyed the backing of the population. In April, however, a loss of popularity by the Government was perceived due to poor communication between the President and the media, and incidents linking the Government to corruption.
The report then details national and governmental efforts and international assistance including the United Nations system in addressing: the consolidation of democracy and institutional modernization; human rights; natural disasters; strengthening the rule of law; demobilization of former combatants; awareness-raising about landmines and reintegration of Nicaraguans in exile; decentralization and local development; and integral rehabilitation of basic social services, infrastructure and agricultural areas including the promotion of gender issues and sexual and reproductive health training.
By the terms of the related draft resolution (document A/53/L.26/Rev.2), the Assembly would stress the need for the international community to continue cooperation with Nicaragua to supplement its national efforts and provide it with the necessary financial resources, consistently and under favourable conditions, with a view to the effective promotion of its economic growth and development, the conservation of its natural resources and the strengthening of its democracy.
The Assembly would invite creditor countries and funding institutions to continue supporting Nicaragua in negotiations in order to come to an effective and equitable solution to the external debt problem and to support the country so that it may join the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Debt Initiative as soon as possible. The Assembly would also encourage the Government of Nicaragua to support the development of medium- and long-term national
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programmes and strategies, particularly those related to poverty alleviation and economic and social development with a view to the consolidation of a stable democracy.
The draft's co-sponsors are: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Italy, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Spain, United States and Venezuela.
According to the Secretary-General's report on assistance to Mozambique (document A/53/157), economic performance in Mozambique has improved dramatically since the conclusion of the peace process, which culminated in multi-party elections in 1994. Significant progress is being made in the extension of essential social services by the Government and the establishment of an operating environment for poverty reduction and sustainable human development. Humanitarian assistance has ended and refugee reintegration programmes have concluded. Development assistance focuses on rehabilitation and extension of essential social services and infrastructure, human capital investment, promoting smallholder agriculture and establishing an enabling environment for the expansion of private activity.
The report describes assistance for reconstruction and development in the political and economic contexts, as well as structural reforms in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and environment. It also mentions some of the main United Nations system initiatives, including measures taken by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
By the terms of the draft resolution (document A/53/L.30/Rev.1), the Assembly would request the Secretary-General, in close cooperation with the Government of Mozambique, to: continue his efforts to mobilize international assistance for the national reconstruction and development of Mozambique; continue coordinating the work of the United Nations system for adequate response to the development needs of Mozambique; and prepare a report on the implementation of the present resolution for the Assembly's fifty-fifth session.
The Assembly would stress that Mozambique has made significant progress in mitigating the consequences of a devastating war and that continued substantial coordinated international assistance is required to assist the country in addressing its development needs. It would also stress the significant progress made by Mozambique in extending essential social services and in establishing an operating environment for poverty reduction and sustainable human development.
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The co-sponsors of the draft are: Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea-Buissau, Jamaica, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Sudan, Swaziland, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Secretary-General, addressing special emergency economic assistance to the Comoros (document A/53/330), says that the current socio-economic situation of the Comoros can be summed up as follows: rapid population growth and rising unemployment; steadily declining per capita income; a shrinking export sector; an increasingly costly and decreasingly competitive economy; deteriorating socio-economic infrastructure and limited investment flows. In dealing with the separatist trends, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the League of Arab States have been mediating to help all Comorian parties reach a lasting solution to restore peace, security and stability.
The Secretary-General states that various United Nations agencies in the Comoros are working closely to meet objectives and priorities defined in the country strategy note. The Organization's multidisciplinary mission to the Comoros has found that the country needs immediate assistance in many areas including food, health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation. A rapid response is necessary to meet immediate and essential needs. The emergency assistance programme recommended for a six-month period is of the highest priority in view of the current socio-economic conditions. Annex I details follow-up to the multidisciplinary mission while annex II is table of recommendations, by sector.
By the terms of the draft resolution (document A/53/L.29), the Assembly would urge the international community to respond generously to the needs for urgent assistance identified in annexes to the Secretary-General's report, and to grant to that country all necessary assistance to enable it to cope with its budget deficits, including gifts in cash and in kind and debt forgiveness. It would request all Member States and donor bodies, and United Nations specialized agencies and organizations to grant the Comoros all necessary financial, economic and technical assistance, to enable it to achieve national reconstruction and sustainable development. The Assembly would also stress that the financial resources available remain nonetheless insufficient vis-a-vis the basic needs to ensure the country's recovery.
Sponsors of the draft are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania and Yemen.
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On special assistance for the economic recovery and reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of Congo (document A/53/538), the Secretary-General states that as a result of the armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, involving several region States, many programmes and activities have been suspended in that country. In areas where security can be assured, some humanitarian relief operations have been carried out. The Government formulated a three-year "Programme Triennial Minimum", aimed at defining its most urgent priorities. This enabled United Nations bodies in the country to begin shifting the focus of their activities from emergency to rehabilitation and development. The Organization's entities there have adapted their programmes to address the Government's priorities as defined by the new authorities, and have broadened the scope of their activities in the east of the country.
The report states that constraints encountered by the Organization include the difficult environment that persists in the country, relations with donors and investors, and the heavy debt burden. In the future, steps will be taken to provide more coordinated and coherent assistance in the humanitarian and development areas, enabling an enlargement of United Nations interventions. Also, the Organization will promote government coordination to encourage investment by donors and private entrepreneurs in the country. The report details United Nations programmes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by its agencies and bodies.
The Secretary-General's report on special assistance to African countries receiving refugees (document A/53/292) describes the activities of United Nations agencies and other organizations in respect to assistance to countries hosting refugees, particularly in the priority areas of women, children, food assistance and the environment. It also describes the main activities undertaken in areas where large numbers of refugees have returned in their countries of origin.
Country activities in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congo, Rwanda, and United Republic of Tanzania are mentioned, as well as inter-agency cooperation and financing. Lack of funding is a cause of concern in the implementation of programmes on behalf of refugees in Central Africa. Given continuing instability in the region, providing adequate protection and assistance for refugees is both a priority of the United Nations and an ongoing challenge.
The review contained in the Secretary-General's report on assistance for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon (document A/53/213) was undertaken from the perspective of recovery from a complex emergency. The report first underlines issues in national security and related aspects, sequels of war, to be dealt with in relation to social reintegration. It further emphasizes, in part four, the importance of strengthening the foundations for peace-building and development. The main body deals with the
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evolving strategy and operational priorities of recovery. Throughout the report, specific attention is paid to developments regarding the role of, and the support provided by, the United Nations system. The final section includes a number of conclusions and recommendations.
According to the report of the Secretary-General on assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia (document A/53/377) international assistance has sought to contribute to creating and strengthening the bedrock on which sustainable development could be built in Liberia. A large part of the assistance is being directed to activities to ensure respect for human rights and improvements in Liberia's security situation. It had been delivered and reshaped to serve as an instrument of reconciliation, reintegration and of general economic progress.
Capacity-building measures, to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of national resources as a necessity for financial propriety, have been the focus of international assistance, the report continues. The report describes United Nations assistance rendered in various sectors including good governance, human rights, rehabilitation at the community level, voluntary repatriation, reintegration, health, primary education, and gender.
By the terms of the draft resolution (document A/53/L.36), sponsored by India and Sudan, the Assembly would call upon all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their assistance to Liberia to facilitate the implementation of its National Reconstruction Programmes submitted at the Donors' Conference.
The Assembly, commending the Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations for their collaborative efforts with the Government of Liberia in its peace-building objectives, further urges the Government of Liberia to provide an enabling environment for the promotion of socio-economic development and a culture of sustained peace in the country, including a commitment to upholding the rule of law, national reconciliation and human rights.
The text would also request the Secretary-General to report to the Assembly at its fifty-fifth session, through the Economic and Social Council at the humanitarian affairs segment of its substantive session of 2000, on the implementation of the present resolution.
Reporting on emergency assistance to the Sudan (document A/53/307) from October 1997 to July 1998, the Secretary-General states that the combination of a two-year drought and intensified conflict produced Sudan's most serious humanitarian crisis in a decade. Despite the largest humanitarian operation in the history of Operation Lifeline Sudan, questions remained regarding the time it would take to stabilize the situation and whether sufficient financial resources could be mobilized to sustain life-saving interventions.
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Substantial amounts of international food relief are likely to be required until October 1999.
It was clear that funding support for the relief operation would be critical to the success of the coordinated effort by Operation Lifeline Sudan, says the Secretary-General. The agencies also recognized that a ceasefire would allow humanitarian organizations to stabilize the current crisis more effectively. The report also focuses on: political and military developments affecting humanitarian relief efforts; internally displaced persons; NGOs; relief food assistance; non-food assistance; assistance to refugees; and action by Member States.
The Secretary-General, on emergency international assistance for peace, normalcy and rehabilitation in Tajikistan (document A/53/316), says donor support to Tajikistan has diminished across the board for both humanitarian and development assistance and for support to peace and reconciliation. It is imperative that donors invest in the peace process for humanitarian reasons as well as for development assistance and in order to support peace and reconciliation. Without significant international support Tajikistan could very well become a permanent emergency. The Government of Tajikistan and United Tajik Opposition also need to undertake immediate, concrete steps to show rapid and real progress in the peace process.
The Secretary-General is distressed by the increase in crimes against humanitarian and other staff members, including the murder of unarmed United Nations personnel in Garm. The safety and security of staff rests with the host country and the parties to the conflict. The Secretary-General urges the Government and the Opposition to do their utmost to identify the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to justice. He also calls upon the parties to take measures to ensure that there is no repetition, and that United Nations and other personnel can work in safety and security.
The Secretary-General's report on emergency assistance to Montserrat (document A/53/359) states that the Government of Montserrat is refocusing its priorities from disaster relief and resettlement to disaster prevention and sustainable development. A sustainable development plan for the period 1998 to 2002 is being finalized. It will use an integrated development planning approach and be done in consultation with civil society organizations and international development partners. The approach's main emphasis is on the development of the north of the island as the basis for the country's future economic, social and political advancement.
The Secretary-General also recommends that new policy framework discussions between UNDP and the Government of Montserrat be finalized. The objective of this would be to conclude a cooperation framework that would emphasize agreed support to be provided by UNDP, in collaboration with the
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United Nations system, as well as relevant bilateral and multilateral partners, for the implementation of Montserrat's sustainable development plan.
The Secretary-General's report on assistance for the reconstruction and development of Djibouti (document A/53/361) states there is close cooperation among the United Nations agencies in Djibouti and an increasing focus on social development. However, many of the pledges made by donors in May 1997 have yet to materialize. The Government needs to conclude an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to allow the country to receive badly needed financial assistance. The World Bank assistance programme also needs to gather momentum. There is a need to promote income-generating activities by introducing small-scale agriculture at the rural level as well.
Building Djiboutian national management capacity in support of sustainable development is a priority. The country will also have to find a way to enable displaced persons to return to their countries. This can be done with the support of the Inter-Governmental Agency for Development and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Secretary-General calls upon the international community to provide financial support to enable him to provide technical assistance for meeting the socio-economic programmes for Djibouti's reconstruction and development.
By the terms of the draft resolution (document A/53/L.33), co-sponsored by Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam and Yemen, the Assembly would declare its solidarity with Djibouti and welcome the implementation of the structural adjustment program by the Government of that country. It would also appeal to all Governments, international financial institutions, specialized agencies of the United Nations system and non- governmental organizations to respond urgently to the financial and material needs of that country.
The Assembly would also consider essential to national rehabilitation and consolidation of peace, as well as for success of agreements with international financial institutions, the process of demobilization and reintegration of demobilized soldiers. It would express its gratitude to all those who have already made pledges at the round table on Djibouti in Geneva in May 1997 and invite others to follow their example.
The Assembly would also express gratitude to the intergovernmental organizations and funds and programs of the United Nations system for their contributions to the national rehabilitation of Djibouti and invite them to continue their efforts. It would express its appreciation to the Secretary- General for his efforts to make the international community aware of the difficulties faced by Djibouti and request him to continue his efforts to mobilize resources for the program of assistance to Djibouti. It would also
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request the Secretary-General to prepare a study of the progress achieved in economic assistance to Djibouti, for the question to be considered by the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session.
The Secretary-General, addressing assistance for humanitarian relief and the economic and social rehabilitation of Somalia (document A/53/344) says that over the past year, some progress has been achieved on the humanitarian front in several regions in Somalia. In the north, there has been noticeable economic growth. The Organization's agencies have adopted an area-based approach for rehabilitation and development activities to improve the impact and sustainability of programmes. In areas where nascent governance structures exist, rehabilitation and development efforts need to be reinforced to encourage and sustain social and political stability. Southern and Central Somalia, however, still exhibit characteristics more linked to complex emergencies than to recovery. The areas are marked by an absence of authority, fighting and political instability.
The Secretary-General states that small pockets in the central and southern regions were showing signs of economic growth and slow and painful transition from crisis to recovery. Both the 1997 Appeal and the current 1998 United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Somalia have been underfunded. The lack of such funding had hampered efforts by the Organization to help Somalia recover from crisis and experience economic growth. Donor governments need to consider funding United Nations assistance in the country to ensure that emergency as well as transitional and early developmental needs are sufficiently addressed.
By the terms of the draft resolution (document A/53/L.31), the Assembly would urge all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations concerned to continue the further implementation of its resolution 47/160 so as to assist the Somali people to embark on the rehabilitation of basic social and economic services, and institution-building aimed at the restoration of civil adminstration at the local level in all those parts of the country where peace and security prevail.
The Assembly would call on all parties, movements and factions in Somalia to respect fully the security and safety of personnel of the United Nations and its specialized agencies and of non-governmental organizations, and to guarantee their complete freedom of movement throughout the country. It would also call on the Secretary-General to continue to mobilize international humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance for Somalia. Further, it would call on the international community to provide continuing and increased assistance in response to the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance for Somalia covering the period from October 1998 to December 1999.
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The draft is sponsored by: Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Reporting on international cooperation and coordination for the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan (document A/53/424), the Secretary-General says that a comprehensive mission under the joint leadership of the Government of Kazakhstan and the United Nations confirmed that the long-term activity at the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing range has had severe, long-term effects for a large group of people, far beyond those directly affected by radiation. The mission revealed the needs of people affected during the testing and who continue to be at risk.
The Mission states that consideration should be given to follow-up actions that would address identified needs. Further assistance should take into account the needs assessment carried out by the mission, so as to maximize impact through a structured, prioritized and coordinated approach. A consultative process between Member States and United Nations agencies should be considered to mobilize the necessary support for actions proposed in this report and its annex. The Organization should assist the Government of Kazakhstan to establish an adequate coordination mechanism for the planning and implementation of future and ongoing assistance.
The draft resolution (document A/53/L.32) would have the Assembly stress the need for greater international attention and extra efforts in solving the problems of the Semipalatinsk region and its population. The Assembly would invite States and financial organizations to share their knowledge and experience to contribute to the rehabilitation and economic development of the region. Member States, particular donor States, and the United Nations system would be invited to participate in the rehabilitation effort.
The Assembly would also invite the Secretary-General to pursue a consultative process, with the participation of interested States and United Nations agencies, on modalities for mobilizing the necessary support to seek solutions to the problems and needs of the region.
Co-sponsoring the draft are: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhastan, Kyrgystan, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan.
By terms of the draft resolution on assistance to Niger (document A/53/L.27), the Assembly would call upon all Member States, the United Nations system, as well as financial institutions and NGOs, to extend generous
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assistance to Niger in support of the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction operations and programmes that country is undertaking to deal with the disastrous consequences of the floods.
The Assembly would also request the Secretary-General to make all the arrangements for the mobilization and coordination of humanitarian assistance of the international institutions and specialized agencies in the United Nations system in order to support the Government of Niger.
The draft is co-sponsored by: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Congo, Côte D'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ireland, Italy, Libya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Togo, Tunisia, United Kingdom and Vanuatu.
Assistance to Palestinian People
The Secretary-General's report on assistance to the Palestinian People (document A/53/153) provides an assessment of the assistance actually received by the Palestinian people, and of the needs still unmet and specific proposals for responding effectively to them.
The report, which covers the period from June 1997 to May 1998, includes an update on the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It also includes a section on background and on the work of local and international coordination mechanisms. Annexed to the report is a list of United Nations entities active in the occupied territories.
Introduction of Draft
ALFONSO ORTEGA URBINA (Nicaragua), introducing the draft on international assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Nicaragua, said Germany, Bangladesh, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Uruguay had also joined as co-sponsors of the text.
He said strengthening the rule of law was one of his Government's priorities. That policy was also based on incorporating thousands of former combatants into civil life. Landmines continued to imperil the population and impeded the cultivation of productive areas of the country. The Nicaraguan Army, with external assistance, had succeeded in finding a partial solution to that problem, but much still remained to be done. It was calculated that the greatest number of victims of landmines were children aged between eight and 12 years old. The problem had also been aggravated by Hurricane Mitch, which had shifted the devices to other places. The hurricane had also killed
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4,000 people and left 5,000 missing. That had added to the damage inflicted by El Niño on his country. Only through debt forgiveness could his country really pursue sustainable development, reverse poverty and address the degradation of its resources. The draft was designed to solicit the support of all Member States in helping Nicaragua towards sustainable development.
ELFATIH MOHAMED AHMED ERWA (Sudan), as Chairman of the African Group, introduced the draft resolutions on assistance to Niger, special emergency economic assistance to the Comoros, assistance to Mozambique and assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia.
The co-sponsors to the draft on Niger, in addition to the countries of the African Group, are India, Kuwait and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Niger and its surrounding region had been subject to drought and desertification. The draft had been submitted for the first time because of the physical circumstances and severe flooding in the country, which destroyed 6,000 homes and left 30,000 homeless.
The co-sponsors to the draft on the Comoros, in addition to the countries of the African Group, are India, Chile, Cuba and Italy. That country had been subjected to events beyond its control. It was negatively affected by political and economical trauma, he said.
The co-sponsors to the draft on Mozambique, in addition to the countries of the African Group, are The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Yemen. The lending of assistance by the international community was necessary to meet the country's development needs. He mentioned that in the entire draft, the term "mine clearance" should be replaced with "mine action".
The Secretary-General's report on Liberia had emphasized that in spite of the initiatives taken by Liberia's President, it was still necessary to continue assistance to that country to restore peace and achieve development. He hoped that all the drafts would be adopted by consensus.
As the representative of Sudan, he said that civilians were the ones who suffered the most during conflicts. The international community had to resolve problems without solely depending on relief. The United Nations needed integrated efforts to address the imbalances between the North and South. The majority of conflicts had their roots in the paucity of development.
He wished to pay tribute to the increased interest of the Economic and Social Council on humanitarian aspects. The participation of the Council in formulating the general policies for human operations was important for development. There was an important link between humanitarian relief and the need for financial resources supporting the United Nations efforts to respond to human emergencies.
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To ensure rehabilitation in development in the long run, it was important to emphasize the role of the government for implementation of humanitarian assistance, he continued. Regarding humanitarian assistance, inter-governmental organizations had to be impartial, and humanitarian personnel had to be granted safe passage in and through countries. It was important to utilize countries' capabilities regarding early warning and relief preparedness.
Introducing the draft resolution on ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan, AKMARAL KH. ARYSTANBEKOVA (Kazakhstan) said that Germany, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, India, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Slovenia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Norway had joined the number of co-sponsors of the draft.
The consequences of the nuclear tests in the Semipalatinsk area threatened the lives and health of the people of the region, especially children and vulnerable groups, as well as the environment. There was a need to coordinate the international efforts in minimizing and mitigating the problem. An inter-agency mission had been organized for that purpose, which had studied consequences of the nuclear tests and their impact on the local population. The conclusions and recommendations of the missions had been submitted to the General Assembly for its consideration.
She said that the proposed draft would support a comprehensive plan to deal with the situation in the area. The leadership of Kazakhstan was grateful to the international community and the United Nations system for the support provided. She proposed that the draft should be adopted by consensus.
Statements
ERNST SUCHARIPA (Austria), speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated countries of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Iceland, said that this year, the European Union was again sponsoring a draft resolution on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, which had been merged with the resolution on protection of United Nations personnel. As the Union attached great importance to the consideration of issues of coordination of humanitarian activities in the Economic and Social Council, it would actively cooperate with the Emergency Relief Coordinator to implement the agreed conclusions emanating from the first humanitarian segment of the Council.
In the future, it was necessary to find a specific and well-defined theme for each segment, in order to focus the discussion and adopt operative conclusions, he said. More innovative and interactive elements should be found to ensure a stimulating dialogue among governments, the United Nations
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system and practitioners in the field, including the NGO community. Particular attention should be paid to the work at the field level.
It was clear that greater efforts were needed to meet the requirements set out in consolidated appeals, he continued. The European Union already contributed half of all humanitarian assistance. The basis for financing of consolidated appeals should be broadened to include both traditional and non-traditional donors. The consolidated appeals should be more strategic, yet more prioritized, timely and realistic. They should also take into account programmes already being implemented by the donor community at large.
Regarding the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs funding situation, he said that it was clearly wrong that a core function of the United Nations - namely, coordination of humanitarian affairs -- was not fully funded from the regular budget. To redressed that anomaly, the General Assembly should take concrete action to finance the Office's core requirements from the regular budget in the next few years. The understanding that relief efforts must be a step towards development must be expanded. Efforts to fill the "relief-development gap", were not a linear process from relief to development assistance. That effort should be a partnership in which actors from each group joined their expertise and capacity to solve aspects of the rehabilitation problem.
GUSTAVO ALBIN (Mexico), said his country, with its experiences in earthquakes, had extended supported to many countries which had been the victims of similar disasters. Hurricane Mitch had recently devastated the economic and physical infrastructures of the Central American States. It was, therefore, important for the international community to give its full support to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of those countries. Mexico had assisted by providing helicopters, aircraft, ships, brigades specialized in relief work, foodstuff, clean water, drugs, technical experts in cholera and Malaria, engineers and construction staff. He said a hospital ship with medicines and specialized equipment had already set off for Honduras.
The leadership of the United Nations was critical in giving direction to all the efforts to assist Central American countries, he said. In recent decades, he noted, the people of Central America had shown integrity in the face of great adversity. He hoped they would pull through the present one.
YURIY V. BOHAIEVS'KY (Ukraine) said that while the Organization seemed better prepared to meet new challenges in this field, its capacity to respond to some emergency situations caused by natural disasters was limited due to a lack of adequate resources and the further erosion of respect for humanitarian principles. These alarming trends signalled the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to humanitarian situations, taking into account durable recovery, peacebuilding, respect of human rights and the need to ensure sustainable development.
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In that context, he welcomed the United Nations reform of the humanitarian sector, in particular, the establishment of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, he said. The Assembly must also ensure the follow-up to the agreed Conclusions adopted by the humanitarian segment of the Economic and Social Council session. It was important to secure effective coordination among the Organization's agencies to strengthen a system-wide early warning function, as well as the consolidated appeal process, and to reinforce the role of the Emergency Relief Coordinator.
His country further supported developing an international legal machinery to find and seize the assets of those responsible for attacks on personnel providing humanitarian assistance, he continued. Such mechanism could strengthen the authority of the Convention on the Safety of the United Nations and Associated Personnel. He appealed to all States which had not become parties to the Convention to do so. He also welcomed a greater degree of involvement of the Security Council in issues pertaining to protection of humanitarian assistance.
SHEN GUOFANG (China) said adequate resources were key to providing timely and effective relief activities, alleviating disaster consequences and developing prevention capabilities. Such goals were predicated on having the required money and materials ready for use. The present consolidated inter- agency process was an effective instrument in that regard and Member States should increase their support for it. The international community, and the developed and capable countries in particular, should support the efforts of countries in difficulty to overcome emergencies and reconstruct their homelands.
The high frequency and unpredictability of natural disasters had made the relief activities of the international community and the coordinating function of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs more crucial, he said. In that regard, he welcomed the strengthening of inter- agency cooperation to accomplish a well-coordinated, rapid and effective humanitarian relief operation, in which resident coordinators of the United Nations and the resident representatives of the agencies should play an important role.
His delegation also attached great importance to scientific research and technical cooperation carried out by various countries and relevant agencies in the fields of early warning, disaster alleviation and prevention and environmental management, he said. That constituted a very important link in creating a scientific strategy for disaster prevention and relief, and for provided guidelines to effective relief activities. China would like to make its contribution in that regard.
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MARWAN A. JILANI, observer for Palestine, said the Palestinian people appreciated the efforts of the international community aimed at ameliorating their plight and assisting in rehabilitation, through economic and social achievements that were feasible. He also underlined their thanks to the donor countries for their contributions and continuation of assistance, despite the obstructions placed by Israel in that respect. There was a meeting scheduled for 30 November in Washington, D.C., for donor countries. He appealed to donor countries to participate in that meeting at the ministerial level. The contributions made would help the Palestinian people in their development efforts during the next five years.
He called on Israel to unconditionally and fully commit to the implementation of the Wye River Memorandum Accord. Also, the Israeli Government was called on to fulfil its commitments and cease all illegal practices, including expanding and building new settlements, destroying Palestinian homes and the judaization of Al-Quds. Implementing the outstanding provisions of the interim agreement, as contained in the Wye Memorandum, would have an excellent effect on the economic and living conditions of the Palestinian people. The implementation of the second and third stages of Israeli withdrawal would enable the Palestinians to achieve economic development and have access to markets, free from Israeli obstacles. Israeli commitment to agreements and to principles of international law were essential. This year, Palestine would use the language adopted in all United Nations resolutions to refer to the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem. That was not only because it was the right language to use, but also because some had tried to incorporate new language into the reports of the Secretariat.
MASAKI KONISHI (Japan) said that the international community had taken steps to better equip itself to meet growing humanitarian needs. Japan was actively extending support to the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan, including assistance to those affected by radiation. His country believed that countries and NGOs which had responded to the situation in the Semipalatinsk region, as well as the Chernobyl disaster, should share their experiences. To promote effective and efficient international support, Japan was ready to host a conference or symposium, in cooperation with the relevant United Nations bodies and the Government of Kazakhstan, at the earliest possible date next year. Another Japanese initiative to promote cooperation in the field of humanitarian assistance would be the fourth meeting of the Afghanistan support group in Tokyo next month.
He also referred to the second Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD II), which was held last month, with the participation of 80 countries and representatives of 40 international organizations. The TICAD II was convened to increase awareness of the link between development and conflict prevention. It also reflected the readiness of Africa's development partners to support emergency and post-conflict relief, rehabilitation and
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reconstruction and development and, thereby, facilitate the transition from emergency relief to development assistance.
Concerning the security of humanitarian personnel, he said that some progress had been achieved in consolidating a legal framework in that respect, including the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Efforts to ensure the safety and security of United Nations and other personnel would help enhance the security of persons in need of assistance. Japan planned to make of contribution of $1 million to the Trust Fund for Security of United Nations Personnel in the hope that effective training and counselling could reduce security incidents involving humanitarian personnel. Japan was joining the initiative of the European Union and becoming a co-sponsor of the resolution on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.
SHAMSUDIN ABDULLAH (Malaysia) said his country supported the call by the Secretary-General for a principled and coordinated approach to humanitarian assistance, especially in areas of conflict. A lot, however, still needed to be done in that regard. The international community had come to a clear understanding of certain basic points which deserved collection attention. First, combatants in conflict areas must abide by universal humanitarian principles. Second, all parties to a conflict must adhere to human rights norms. Third, the rights of refugees and displaced persons must be respected. Fourth, humanitarian assistance should not be regarded as a substitute for appropriate political action by Member States and regional organizations. Finally, humanitarian assistance should not be abused and used to prolong conflict. Malaysia believed that humanitarian assistance should not be regarded only as a measure for temporary relief, but it should involve long-term rehabilitation and development.
Addressing natural disasters, he said it was important for the United Nations to have the means and resources to assist disaster-prone countries to incorporate disaster prevention and preparedness into their overall developmental plans. The importance of a timely and effective early-warning system for natural disasters could help avert or mitigate losses and protect resources. Developing countries' lack of resources must be addressed by humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance programmes. Efforts must also be continued to find a durable solution to the question of refugees and displaced persons.
KAMALESH SHARMA (India) said while the needs for humanitarian assistance had increased, the international response had not been proportionate or adequate. Some appeals had funded below 10 per cent of the overall requirements. His country, therefore, supported a comprehensive review of the funding of humanitarian programmes. Consolidated reports by the humanitarian affairs coordinator on implementation of underfunding, including forced changes in priorities and cancellation of activities, would be an important first step in that direction.
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He called for more information on efforts being made to enable development agencies to work in "failed" or "weak" States and a comprehensive approach to humanitarian assistance that linked relief and development, he continued. Clear distinctions were needed to define the relationships between peacekeeping, peace-making and the principles of humanitarian access. India was concerned that humanitarian activities had extended to areas like conflict prevention and resolution. While exploring the potential contribution of humanitarian actors in preventive action had also been suggested, those concepts had not yet received inter-governmental acceptance. Should the United Nations system act on them without mandates, that might complicate and detract from humanitarian assistance to the victims of natural disasters and other emergencies.
He noted from the Secretary-General's report that a perceived loss of impartiality and neutrality, especially of humanitarian action, could contribute to increased insecurity of personnel. Increasing the awareness of humanitarian personnel, including the need to respect the national laws of the countries in which they operated, would contribute to ensuring the impartiality and neutrality of humanitarian operations.
LEE SEE-YOUNG (Republic of Korea) said during its presidency of the Security Council last May, his country had initiated a debate on the protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in armed conflicts. He noted the Council's subsequent debate last September and said that the General Assembly should carry out substantial discussion on that issue, including the implementation of the General Assembly resolution on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. In the future, the International Criminal Court would deter humanitarian law violations and improve the safety of United Nations humanitarian operations. His delegation urged the governments and parties in complex emergency situations to provide safe and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to people in need.
There should be a link between humanitarian assistance and long-term development, he continued. His country fully supported the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' comprehensive approach to recovery and its efforts to identify priorities in a more holistic manner. It was necessary to promote close collaboration between the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and funds and programmes, and to fully utilize the consolidated appeals process. The Inter-agency Standing Committee, under the leadership of the Emergency Relief Coordinator, should make further efforts to promote the accountability of the funds and programmes concerned and to clearly define their mandates. The monitoring process should be strengthened so that assistance could primarily target the vulnerable populations. The role of humanitarian or resident coordinators was important for better coordination at the field level.
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The Republic of Korea supported the UNDP in its new mandates regarding natural disasters. It was neither simple, nor useful, to distinguish between natural and environmental disasters. He believed that national governments and their development partners needed to strengthen and improve the structure of local agriculture and forestry.
CLAUDIA FRITSCHE (Liechtenstein) said one of the most negative and troublesome developments in connection with humanitarian assistance was the increasingly difficult and dangerous circumstances under which such assistance had to be provided. Her country deplored the widespread targeting of civilians and the abuse of humanitarian assistance for political purposes. It was of utmost importance that such acts be combated efficiently and that the safety of humanitarian personnel be guaranteed. Insecurity remained a factor which might seriously compromise humanitarian operations and therefore needed to be addressed as a priority.
The adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court, which included attacks intentionally directed against humanitarian or peacekeeping personnel as a war crime, was a significant step, she said. The involvement of children in armed conflict found increased attention from the international community and her country fully welcomed that important development. In the field of preventive diplomacy, women still did not have equal access and full participation. They needed to be fully involved in all efforts and at all levels in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.
MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, welcomed the introduction of a separate humanitarian affairs segment during this year's substantive session of the Economic and Social Council. The segment had provided his country with an opportunity for substantial intervention. The recent experiences in Central America, China, Bangladesh and in other parts of the world, reminded the international community that there was no room for complacency, but that it needed to keep adequately prepared for unforeseen events and cope with unprecedented exigencies. Experience reaffirmed that with timely and coordinated intervention, the adverse effects of a natural or environmental disaster could, to a large extent, be minimized.
His delegation was concerned that the concept of "humanitarianism" was under scrutiny, he said. The debate on humanitarian assistance was welcome, but should not provide an excuse for inaction in desperate situations. He remarked that there had been a growing reluctance among the international community to intervene in situations requiring humanitarian assistance.
The Secretary-General's report noted a number of causes for the declining interest in humanitarian assistance, he said, adding that many desperate emergencies could no longer attract front-page media coverage due to reduced political significance. "It was very unfortunate that humanitarian response would be guided by political priorities, and not driven by need
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assessments", he said. If that trend continued, it was bound to have negative effects, not only on the humanitarian situation, but also on the stability and overall efforts for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. His delegation asked to be updated on the outcomes of "lessons learned" studies undertaken by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, through suitable briefings. He also said that civil society should be fully involved in efforts to raise awareness on humanitarian issues. Moreover, relief and development could not be seen in isolation from political and human rights contexts.
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