Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
21 June 2022
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Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
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Thank you for this opportunity to address the Economic and Social Council Humanitarian Affairs Segment.
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Excellencies,
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The humanitarian system is at the pinnacle of the principles and values of the United Nations.
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From responding to wars and raging conflicts, to addressing food shortages and climate and environmental catastrophes, we have witnessed the power of humanitarian assistance.
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Humanitarian actions are a beacon of hope for the millions in conflict and disaster-stricken areas.
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I commend the humanitarian actors and workers that have stepped up and continue to step up in times of conflicts and disasters.
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Indeed, while the humanitarian system continues to endure, global challenges are increasing.
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New battlefields continue to emerge, growing in scope and frequency around the world, compounding pre-existing crises, and increasing humanitarian needs.
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Meanwhile, the climate crisis presents an immediate and existential threat to the lives and livelihoods of many. And the Covid-19 pandemic looms over us, exacerbating all of the issues we confront, including food insecurity, famine and conflict.
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Many are treating COVID-19 as if it is yesterday¡¯s news. It is not. It is a virus that is continuing 51ÁÔÆæ and continues to further exploit humanitarian situations.
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My friends,
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Strengthening humanitarian assistance must be synonymous with preventing humanitarian crises. This year’s segment will give us an opportunity to focus on cross-cutting and systemic humanitarian challenges, as well as highlighting good practices that make a difference in people’s lives.
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It is essential to implement more sustainable solutions. Affected people and countries are counting on this collective effort to strengthen humanitarian assistance and take concrete action.
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Humanitarian aid relief and assistance are already at the forefront of climate emergencies. We must diversify humanitarian assistance, in a manner that brings in the expertise and skills of local communities.
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A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is necessary, to promote and strengthen local mitigation and adaptation efforts.
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Supporting humanitarian assistance for all in times of conflicts and promoting good practices in the application of international humanitarian laws is essential.
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The war in Ukraine alone, has displaced more than 13 million civilians and compromised global food security. As a result, 46 countries are likely to face famine-like conditions.
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We must continue to uphold our commitments under international laws including international humanitarian laws. And we must investigate serious allegations of violations and hold perpetrators to account.
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Excellencies,
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We must acknowledge that humanitarian workers continue to deliver for those in need, amid increasingly dangerous and deteriorating security conditions.
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Every week, humanitarian workers across the world are killed, injured, sexually assaulted, kidnapped or detained as they work to help the world¡¯s most vulnerable people. This is unacceptable and it must stop.
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It requires that we do more to protect humanitarians on the frontlines.
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With your ongoing support and commitments, not only can we strengthen humanitarian assistance but protect the lives of the many selfless humanitarian workers on the field.
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The Global Humanitarian Overview launched in 2021 estimates over 40 billion dollars is required to reach vulnerable people numbering over 300 million.? I strongly urge for the support of member states and the international community towards this end.
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Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
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Humanitarian assistance is a lifeline.
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By strengthening partnerships and commitments, we can ensure this critical lifeline continues to deliver for the millions that need it.
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I look forward to the outcomes of this meeting and wish you all successful discussions.
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I thank you.