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 -------------- ¶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 -------------- -------------- ¶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