By Holy See Mission
Statement byH. E.
Archbishop Celestino MigliorePermanent Observer of the holy See to the U.N.Before the General Assembly on Agenda Item 40: Strengthening of the Coordination of humanitarian andDisaster Relief Assistance of the U.N.,including special economic assistanceNew York, 21
October 2003 Mr. President,
On behalf of my
delegation, I wish to thank the Secretary-General for the useful reports
prepared under this item.
My delegation
also wishes to convey the appreciation to the United Nations for its
commendable
initiatives undertaken to reduce the impact of natural hazards on human
society,
through a coordination of efforts by the international community, with
particular attention to developing countries. The rigors of natural
phenomena
cannot be prevented, but their impact can be reduced, and even avoided,
when
capacities of vulnerable countries are strengthened and enhanced. In
this
regard, my delegation acknowledges the importance of "Strengthening of
the
coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United
Nations", so
vital, if relief assistance is to transcend from the emergency phase to
long-term development strategy.
Mr. President,
the world has advanced to such a degree that it is often possible to
foresee
natural disasters thereby helping reduce harm to people and damage to
property.
Strengthened by transparent and accountable systems, the international
community
can now accomplish much in relief and long-term reconstruction. For this
reason,
my delegation supports the efforts of the Office for Coordination of
Human
Affairs, it welcomes the comprehensive approach of the Consolidated
Appeals
Process (CAP), the participation of the UN Funds and Agencies, the
preventive
approach of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR),
the lead
of the ECOSOC humanitarian segment and the valiant UN and other
humanitarian
personnel.
Needless to say,
the scale of emergencies worldwide makes the task of offering effective
and
prompt assistance seem overwhelming. Our initiatives, projects and
efforts may
never be enough. Emergencies are so numerous, intense and varied that
the
Secretary-General has quite fittingly noted that because of the severity
and
suddenness of these “loud emergencies", others are reduced into
"forgotten" or
"silent" ones. This situation worsens when assistance is colored by
partiality
and incoherent policies, not to mention when crises are ignored or even
put
aside because of misrule and misguided politics.
Mr. President,
the vastness of the problem, the countless numbers of children and
individuals
in urgent need of help should not paralyze us into inaction. The sad
fact that
the contributions from donor countries and agencies are often
insufficient to
meet many worldwide needs should not lead us to hopelessness. Rather,
these
contributions should be praised and encouraged. Simple gestures of
giving,
oftentimes combined with rapidity and coordination will make a
difference and
bear fruit.
My delegation is
pleased to mention that the Holy See has taken an active role in this
regard.
More than 30 years ago, it established the Pontifical Council "Cor
Unum"
to harmonize and encourage the activities of church organizations,
associations,
NGOs and other groups involved in the field of social and charitable
assistance
to people in countries hit by natural disasters and wars. In particular,
the
Pontifical Council has been engaged in intensifying its humanitarian
action in
favour of the victims of almost all types of natural catastrophes,
especially in
developing countries. Moreover, within its means, it has contributed in
concrete
ways to assist people in moments of disaster.
Besides the
Pontifical Council, the Catholic Church in particular countries has
organized
its relief efforts through agencies such as “Caritas Internationalis”
and
“Catholic Relief Services”. These organizations generously commit
themselves in
humanitarian work in the area of natural disaster reduction and
rehabilitation.
The commitment of Church organizations and associations has become
increasingly
essential and important in contributing to the development and
reconstruction of
various societies.
Mr. President, in
general, there is a clear and determined awareness that it is possible
to
prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters. However, numerous
catastrophes continue to strike peoples in different parts of the world,
while
chronic emergencies resulting from armed conflicts, extreme poverty,
ethnic
clashes have given rise to an enormous misplacement of peoples
throughout the
world.
The international
community should not let these victims of tragic events and conflicts
succumb to
the agony they have been enduring in the aftermath of such natural and
manmade
disasters. It is necessary to have the will, converted into concerted
action, to
intensify the assistance for peoples still struggling in the battle for
existence and survival. For this assistance to be effective, it must
have the
supportive environment of the entire family of nations.
My delegation
therefore wishes to encourage the United Nations Office for the
Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs and other humanitarian agencies to continue their
laudable
efforts in responding promptly and effectively to the plight of all
victims of
disasters and emergencies throughout the world.
Thank you Mr.
President.
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