63rd Plenary Meeting of General Assembly: 51st Session

In disaster situations, there must be clear allocation of tasks between humanitarian and political bodies, Assembly told at 63rd plenary meeting of the 51st session.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / General Assembly
• Video Length: 01:10:49
• Production Date: 21 November 1996
• Asset Language: Original; English; French; Spanish
• Personal Subject: ABDULLAH AHMAD; MOHAMMED SAMHAN; OSCAR AVALLE; SOLIMAN AWAAD
• Corporate Name: DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS - DHA
• Subject Topical: ASSISTANCE; DISASTER-RELIEF ASSISTANCE; HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
• Geographic Subject: PALESTINE
• MAMS Id: 2415300
• Parent Id: 845507

Description

Red Cross Observer Stresses Need for Enhanced Communication Between Political Bodies, Humanitarian Partners.

Recent emergencies, such as those in Liberia, Burundi and now eastern Zaire, underscored the importance of a clearly defined allocation of tasks between humanitarian organizations and regional political bodies, an observer for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said this afternoon, as the General Assembly concluded its consideration of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance.

The international community sometimes appeared to push humanitarian agencies to the forefront, rather than seeking political solutions, he told the Assembly. It was important to enhance communication and consultation between the appropriate political bodies and their humanitarian partners in emergency situations, he said.

An observer for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said prevention and preparedness were the most effective ways of reducing conflict-induced human suffering. The Federation therefore welcomed current work aimed at developing early warning systems. The development of local capacity for dealing with emergencies was also essential.

The observer of Palestine said the Palestinian National Authority had worked to improve the living conditions of its people, despite the difficulties imposed by Israel. He expressed appreciation for international assistance to the Palestinian people, welcoming in particular the work of the United Nations Special Coordinator in the Occupied Territories.

Statements were also made by the representatives of Ukraine, Malaysia, Argentina, Egypt, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

For further details please see official record:
A/51/PV.63

For further details please see source:
MEETINGS COVERAGE