Statements ECOSOC Building capabilities and capacities at all levels for timely humanitarian assistance, including disaster risk reduction - Page 2
| Building capabilities and capacities at all levels for timely humanitarian assistance, including disaster risk reduction - Page 2 |
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| Wednesday, 16 July 2008 15:30 | |||||
Page 2 of 2 Mr. Vice President, As a country that has been suffering from the scourge of terrorism for over two decades, the Government of Sri Lanka has, despite many challenges, continued to provide timely and adequate emergency humanitarian relief including food aid to its people living in areas affected by the conflict through a national coordinated programme. Provision of timely humanitarian assistance and emergency relief is essential to overcome the immediate effects of humanitarian disasters. However, we emphasize that humanitarian assistance should also pave way for rehabilitation and long term development of the affected State. The post-Tsunami recovery process launched by the Government of Sri Lanka with the assistance of the international community and the United Nations system was therefore based on a policy of gradual transfer from provision of immediate emergency relief to establishing sustainable livelihood and long and medium term development programmes for the benefit of the affected people. We therefore welcome the continued support for transfer of new technology, knowledge, and funding to further develop and strengthen our own response to humanitarian emergencies and for better disaster preparedness. Disaster preparedness and risk reduction efforts need to be augmented as an integral part of our efforts in addressing humanitarian emergencies. The priority five of the Hyogo Framework for Action stipulates the importance of strengthening the disaster preparedness capabilities and capacities at all levels. In this regard, the Government of Sri Lanka has taken firm steps to address the issue of disaster management as a national priority. In year 2005, the Parliament of Sri Lanka, approved the Disaster Management Act, providing a legislative framework. Further, a 10 year road-map (2005-2015) for disaster risk reduction was launched in 2006 and an early warning system and disaster mapping and evaluation programmes are also in place with the wider participation of stakeholders at both national and local levels. Mr. Vice President, We welcome the various initiatives within the United Nations system including the High- Level Conference held in Rome on Challenges of Climate Change, bio-energy and World Food Security. The effects of severe droughts, frequent floods and virulent epidemics have taken a heavy toll on the human lives and the economic potentials of the developing countries thus challenging their efforts in achieving internationally agreed development goals including the MDGs by 2015. We endorse the call for intensified research to fully understand the linkages between humanitarian consequences of climate change and the need for more investment in disaster risk reduction preparedness efforts. We recognize the need for early implementation of Bali Action Plan; to enhance action on adaptation. It needs to be emphasized that the developing countries should have a mechanism to engage in carbon trading and trade in the value on its forest cover. Technological and financial assistance for developing countries will help them to adopt environmental friendly approaches to development. Establishing a climate change adaptation fund will be of immense assistance to the vulnerable States. Mr. Vice President, In addressing the humanitarian implications of climate change, emphasis has often been placed on using alternative and eco friendly energy sources. However, the challenges and opportunities brought in the train of increased usage of bio fuels have also added a new dimension to the humanitarian emergencies. The increasing demand for food supply has caused price hikes and has posed serious challenges to developing countries in their efforts to reduce by half the number of people affected by poverty and hunger. Mr. Vice President, When demand on humanitarian assistance grows, increased material and human resources are needed to ensure timely and adequate response to humanitarian emergencies. Hence we look forward to working with international agencies and donor nations for this purpose. Thank you,
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