Statement by
Mr. Jonny Sinaga
Member of Delegation of the Republic of Indonesia
to the United Nations
Before the General Assembly
of the 59th Session of the General Assembly
On Agenda item 39 (a) and (c):
Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief
assistance of the United Nations including special economic assistance:
special economic assistance to individual countries or regions
New York, 11 November 2004
Mr. Chairman,
First of all, my delegation wishes to express our sincere appreciation
for the reports of the Secretary General on these important issues.
My delegation notes with concern, the scale and large number of
natural disasters occurred in 2003 and 2004 which have affected
more than 284 million people and caused more than US$ 65 billion
worth of material damage. We are pleased that the timely and effective
response of governments and the international community to these
disasters have continued to be critical in saving lives and mitigating
their effects. We also support the efforts of the United Nations
to expand the participation of Member States in its disaster response
network, as well as foster a regional approach to natural disaster
response.
Current trends in urbanization,
environmental degradation and climate changes imply that natural
and man-made emergencies will continue to increase in their regularity
and intensity. In this regard, we, as Member States, need to improve
our response capacity and preparedness, so as to reduce vulnerability.
We need to continue to improve disaster management abilities and
enhance regional capacity, while embracing risk reduction as a core
principle.
Let me turn now, to the issue of humanitarian assistance given to
countries undergoing or emerging from a humanitarian crisis induced
by conflict or natural causes. While I convey my delegation’s
appreciation to the United Nations for its support of countries
affected by natural and man made disasters, we are concerned that
the global level of financing for humanitarian operations often
remains insufficient, especially in African countries where the
magnitude of the problem is considerable.
Beyond this, the core issue in the transition from relief to development
is that funds are often not enough for the implementation programs.
Indonesia would like to emphasize the importance of enhanced international
cooperation, including the United Nations and regional organizations,
towards assisting countries in their efforts to build capacity,
as well as predict, prepare and respond to, natural disasters.
Mr. Chairman,
Over the years, international awareness toward humanitarian problems
has grown considerably. In this connection, many governments have
greatly improved their preparedness, such as being able to facilitate
the return of refugees and the internally displaced, and their resettlement.
Unfortunately, these same things cannot be said with regard to the
situation in Palestine. Despite the increasingly difficult humanitarian
situation there, United Nations agencies continue to provide assistance
to the Palestinian people. That assistance, however, is provided
under difficult circumstances, characterized by closures, curfews,
incursions and other measures that have been imposed by the Israeli
military that negatively affect the well being of the Palestinians
people as well as hamper the ability of the United Nations. Indonesia
joins the community of nations to call upon the government of Israel
to halt all actions that encroach on the territorial rights of the
Palestinians, and to strictly observe the provisions of international
law and implement the Road Map.
Mr. Chairman,
While Indonesia recognizes that the main responsibility for improving
the humanitarian situation and creating conditions for long-term
development lies with the government, the role of the international
community is very important. It is their role to ensure the availability
of resources for this purpose.
Furthermore, it must be emphasized that UNHCR remains a purely humanitarian
and non-political agency. Humanitarian assistance must be delivered
only with the consent of the affected country, and with respect
for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the national unity
of States. We must maintain the guideline that the affected state
must play the primary role in coordinating humanitarian relief efforts,
while UNHCR provides support as requested by that state. These important
principles are contained in General Assembly resolution 46/182 of
19 December 1991 in which it is also stated that “humanitarian
assistance must be provided in accordance with the principles of
international law especially humanity, neutrality and impartiality.”
Thank You, Mr. Chairman.
