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 to evolve 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.