As Debate Concludes, Sixth Committee Speakers Still Divided on Framework for Draft Texts Addressing Protecting Persons in Event of Disasters
As the Sixth Committee (Legal) today concluded its debate on the topic of the protection of persons in the event of disasters, speakers shared their national practices in managing the aftermath of such events, with many calling for the International Law Commission’s draft articles to be used as guidelines, while others underscored the importance of an international legal document to expedite disaster aid and assistance.
The representative of Morocco recalled the earthquake that suddenly struck the province of Al Haouz in 2023, an unprecedented natural disaster that caused considerable damage. The Government — in accordance with King Mohammed VI’s instructions — mobilized the Armed Forces, local efforts and Governmental departments. This rapid mobilization — possible due to considerable deployment of human resources by air and by land — enabled the evacuation of the wounded and the provision of relief. Further, economic aid was swiftly distributed, while the Government opened a special fund for the effects of the earthquake. “This showed the proactive nature of Moroccan citizens and public and private organizations in the country,” he said. The Government also established a reconstruction budget of $12 billion over a period of five years. The affected State remains the best place to take all decisions and to take all necessary measures to protect its citizens, its territory and its heritage, he maintained.
“Each State must be prepared to forecast disasters and manage their aftermath effectively,” Viet Nam’s delegate said, as she detailed the estimated $3.3 billion in damage recently caused by Typhoon Yagi. However, building on its experience, her Government has strengthened community resilience and enhanced the capacity and readiness of its population to face both natural and man-made disasters. Underscoring the need for all nations to allocate resources wisely and improve self-protection capabilities, she said that for countries that lack necessary capabilities, international cooperation and assistance play a crucial role as support mechanisms. Nonetheless, while the draft articles can serve as a practical guide for States and other relevant stakeholders in disaster relief, they should not create unnecessary procedural burdens that could impede the process in outlining responsibilities and procedures for protecting people in disaster events.
Myanmar’s representative noted that, although his country was not at the epicentre of Typhoon Yagi, it suffered disproportionately due to the military junta’s incompetence and failure to take preventive measures. In regard to the Commission’s recommendation that a treaty be codified, he observed that the draft articles represent a valuable contribution, but their scope and clarity still need improvement. For example, they should include provisions for international support mechanisms when the affected State is incapacitated, ensuring that aid can still reach those in need. He suggested the inclusion of provisions addressing challenges related to bureaucratic processes and the coordination of access in complex emergencies that impede effective mobility. Further, a clear definition of what constitutes a “human-made disaster” is essential, he added.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Philippines noted that the latest World Risk Report — which assesses disaster risk for 193 countries across 100 indicators — ranked his country, for the sixteenth time, first among States at highest risk. It also ranked fourth worldwide in terms of highest exposure. Turning to the draft articles, he said: “We have a rare — and, in my view, a once-in-a-generation — chance to step up and give life to [the Sixth Committee’s] mandate.” For its part, he announced that the Philippines will host the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila in October, where global leaders will convene to identify solutions to disaster risk issues and promote coordination and cooperation on the implementation of the Sendai Framework in Asia and the Pacific.
The representative of the Republic of the Congo thanked development partners for their wide-ranging assistance following disasters faced by his country, most recently in the second quarter of 2024. Noting that national public policy in this area is based on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, he added that his country is party to several conventions and other instruments of the African Union, including the Yaoundé Declaration on Implementation of the Sendai Framework on Risk of Disasters in Africa. Further, it stands ready to ratify any national or regional legislation dedicated to the protection of persons in the event of disasters. To that point, he called for the continued implementation of guidelines and good governance in responding to natural disasters, and the sharing of best national, regional and international practices.
“Unfortunately, however, the legal landscape for international disaster law remains piecemealed,” observed the representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Even with dozens of bilateral, regional, and sectoral agreements in place, they are insufficient to fill common international gaps and legal challenges. An international legal agreement will reduce uncertainty and expedite the approval for personnel, equipment and aid delivery. For over 20 years, the Federation and its 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have been working with States at the domestic and regional level on disaster risk governance. In 2023, 399 disasters impacted over 93 million people worldwide. “If this new treaty can expedite assistance by even several hours — it will save lives”, she stated, emphasizing: “Let us remember that what happens in this very room can make a difference for people affected by disasters.”