ECOSOC urges to develop disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures

Economic and Social Council
2010 Substantive Session
35th & 36th Meetings (AM & PM)

Economic and Social Council adopts text on strengthening humanitarian assistance, recognizes clear link between emergency response, rehabilitation, development

Expressing grave concern at the increasing number of people affected by humanitarian emergencies, including those associated with natural hazards, the Economic and Social Council today pressed the United Nations, on one hand, to strengthen humanitarian capacities by transferring technology and expertise to developing nations, and urged Member States to develop disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures, on the other.

The Council wrapped up its humanitarian affairs segment with the adoption of a consensus text on strengthening the Organization's coordination of emergency relief assistance, by which it encouraged efforts to enhance cooperation of United Nations humanitarian entities, among others, with a view to planning and delivering assistance in ways that supported early recovery, sustainable rehabilitation, reconstruction and development. In such work, the Organization was encouraged to strengthen its ability to recruit and deploy staff quickly and flexibly, and to procure emergency relief material in a cost-effective manner.

Further by the text, all actors engaged in the provision of humanitarian assistance were urged to fully commit to — and respect — the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. States and parties in armed conflict and post-conflict situations were called upon to ensure the safe and unhindered access of humanitarian personnel, allowing such personnel to assist affected civilians, including refugees and internally displaced persons. They were also called upon to comply fully with international humanitarian law, including all Geneva Conventions, to assist civilians in occupied territories.

By other terms, the Council urged States to continue to prevent, investigate and prosecute gender-based violence, including sexual violence, in humanitarian emergencies, while improving support services to victims. In other areas, the Council encouraged the private sector, civil society and others to consider increasing and diversifying contributions to humanitarian funding mechanisms, including the Central Emergency Response Fund.

A related panel discussion held during the Council's morning session focused on strengthening preparedness for humanitarian emergencies. It examined how to respond to a changing humanitarian landscape, with global events such as population growth, food crises and pandemic risk creating larger humanitarian caseloads in contexts that were often unfamiliar. "We need to be responding to needs wherever they are found", said John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, who moderated the discussion.