Statement by

H. E. Archbishop Celestino Migliore

Permanent Observer of the holy See to the U.N.

Before the General Assembly on Agenda Item 40: 

Strengthening of the Coordination of humanitarian and

Disaster Relief Assistance of the U.N.,

including special economic assistance

New 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.