UNGA CONSIDERS HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE COORDINATION

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001066

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM XF GT UNGA
SUBJECT: UNGA CONSIDERS HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE COORDINATION

REF: USUN NEW YORK 1059


1. On November 10-11, the UN General Assembly (UNGA)
considered the following agenda items: strengthening of the
coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance
of the UN, including special economic assistance; cooperation
between the UN and the League of Arab States (LAS); the
situation in Central America: progress in fashioning a
region of peace, freedom, democracy and development; the
appointment of members of the Joint Inspection Unit; the
situation in Afghanistan (septel); and the Report of the
International Criminal Court (ICC) (reftel). The complete
texts of all U.S. statements can be found at
www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov.

COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
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2. During consideration of strengthening of the coordination
of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the UN, a
majority of speakers expressed support for the Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF),and highlighted the
importance of strengthening developing states' capacity to
respond to emergencies. However, many of the developing
countries noted the need to invest in preparation, including
technical assistance. India and Sweden called for a holistic
disaster management process, with greater attention given to
prevention efforts. Delegates agreed that the global food
and financial crises could have the effect of reducing
contributions to humanitarian assistance, while the increased
rate of devastating natural disasters actually necessitated
greater assistance. Developing countries in particular urged
Member States to fulfill pledges to assistance, and the G-77
and China (via Antigua and Barbuda's intervention),reminded
the Assembly of its commitment per a previous resolution that
humanitarian assistance should be provided on the basis of an
appeal by and consent of the affected country. France (for
the European Union),Canada and Russia lamented the
subordination of humanitarian responses to emergencies to
"political bargaining." Many delegates condemned attacks on
aid workers and urged Member States to take action to avoid
such acts of violence. The EU and Switzerland urged
Membership to facilitate rapid and unimpeded access by
humanitarian organizations to all victims. Interventions by
observers echoed calls for better security and access to
victims for aid workers.


3. The Palestinian observer argued for assistance to the
Palestinian people. Echoed by Kuwait and the United Arab
Emirates, the Palestinian observer demanded that Israel cease
inhuman practices, lift restrictions on travel to Gaza, and
cease building the separation wall that has hurt the
Palestinian economy. Yemen thanked the Assembly for its
consensus in passing draft resolution A/63/L.21, regarding
special economic assistance to Yemen. In a right of reply
statement, Burma defended its response to Cyclone Nargis,
stating that it had responded quickly by land, sea, and air,
claiming that the relevant international organizations could
confirm that Burma's response was adequate.

LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES, CENTRAL AMERICA, AND THE JIU
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4. During consideration of cooperation between the UN and the
LAS, Libya emphasized that strengthened cooperation would
help further the mutual goals of the two organizations.
Draft resolution A/63/L.20, which was adopted by consensus,
called upon the UN and the LAS to focus on their own areas of
expertise within common goals, and then to consult regularly
on specific issues. During consideration of the situation in
Central America, Guatemala drew the Assembly's attention to
the work of the International Commission Against Impunity, an
innovative UN program in Guatemala, which the Guatemalan
PermRep described as a Guatemalan, rather than UN,
initiative. As a principle donor, Spain also spoke in
support of the Commission. The consensus resolution (draft
A/63/L.19) commended the Guatemalan government for
undertaking this effort to end criminal impunity.
Appointments to the UN Joint Inspection Unit will take place
TBD.
Khalilzad