Statement by Ms Fleur Davies, Counsellor (Development), Australian Mission to the United Nations to the United Nations General Assembly 63rd Session - Plenary on Agenda Item 65 (a) : Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations
11 November 2008
(As delivered)
Mr President,
The past year’s events have demonstrated the vital role of international humanitarian assistance. Increased food prices exacerbated existing emergencies and contributed to sharply increased food insecurity in many parts of the world. Millions of people in countries affected by complex emergencies remained dependent on international assistance to meet their basic needs. Natural hazards, especially climate-related hazards, had devastating consequences in Myanmar, southern Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Regrettably, there are reasons to expect the demand for humanitarian assistance will continue to increase in the years ahead. Investments in disaster risk reduction and preparedness, and in strengthened coordination arrangements, will be essential if the international community is to tackle the humanitarian challenges ahead.
Mr President, Australia recognises the need for greater focus on disaster risk reduction, including prevention, mitigation and preparedness measures. We may not be able to prevent cyclones, droughts, or earthquakes, but planning and preparation can minimise the impacts of natural hazards on vulnerable communities.
Disaster risk reduction must be incorporated into humanitarian action and early recovery efforts, to build the resilience and preparedness of communities. We support efforts by the international community to build on the existing knowledge and momentum for disaster risk reduction, particularly through the Hyogo Framework for Action, to help meet the challenges of climate change.
Mr President, Australia values the role of the United Nations in promoting coordinated, effective and accountable international responses to humanitarian emergencies. We recognise the Emergency Relief Coordinator, OCHA, and the operational agencies of the UN for the key role they play in humanitarian relief. We acknowledge the considerable efforts which have been made to strengthen systems for needs assessment, planning, delivery and monitoring of humanitarian assistance. Much more needs to be done, but we have a strong foundation for future work.
In particular, we support the role of the humanitarian coordinator in strategically coordinating the international response on behalf of the UN, working closely with national authorities. We encourage OCHA to build an expanded pool of humanitarian coordinators ready for deployment with the high level capacities needed for these challenging roles. Greater investment is also needed in skilling up all UN resident coordinators in humanitarian relief and disaster management, given that resident coordinators may be required to take on the humanitarian coordinator role in response to a crisis.
Mr President, the value of the humanitarian “cluster” approach has been clearly demonstrated in a number of emergencies over the last year. Clusters have been successful in enhancing coordination, prioritisation and partnerships in key thematic areas. While the cluster approach can be further improved; including through ensuring clusters consistently promote strengthened accountability to national governments, beneficiaries and other stakeholders; the benefits of improved coordination are clear.
Mr President, we know that women and men, boys and girls are affected differently by conflict and natural disasters. It is imperative that a gender perspective be integrated into all aspects of humanitarian policy, planning and implementation. We stress the importance of integrated measures, as part of humanitarian action, to reduce gender-based violence. We need to strengthen the awareness and responsiveness of peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel to women’s and children’s protection needs.
Australia advocates for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 which, in addition to women’s protection, provides for women’s full and active participation in peace processes and peace-building. We call also for special attention to be given to ensuring that women have access to reproductive health services in emergency situations.
Mr President, Australia is deeply troubled by the increasing incidence of violent attacks against humanitarian personnel. Such attacks impact not only on humanitarian aid workers and their families, but have also led to the suspension of a number of humanitarian programs, preventing relief reaching those who need it most. This disturbing trend must be reversed.
In closing, Mr President, let me take this opportunity to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to supporting the UN’s crucial role, in disaster risk reduction, and in building a more effective international humanitarian response capacity.
Thank you.