Your Excellency, the Vice President of the ECOSOC
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

At the outset allow me, on behalf of the group to express gratitude to you, your excellency, Ambassador Maritza Chan-Valverde, the vice President of ECOSOC and Chair of this year's Humanitarian Affairs Segment along with the Bureau and the Secretariat for convening this important event.

Against this backdrop, the Group wishes to underscore the following key remarks for this year's humanitarian assistance segment:

1. The United Nations humanitarian response system is facing increasing challenges. These challenges before us are complex and interrelated, exacerbated by armed conflicts, disasters, and the adverse impacts of climate change.

2. Today, the imperative for strengthened international solidarity is more critical than ever to respond to the humanitarian needs effectively. The 309 million people cited in the 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview represent individuals with dignity, not merely figures, which require humanitarian assistance amounting to 49 billion dollars.

3. We must ensure full respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and reaffirm the obligation of all parties to ensure safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. We must also strengthen accountability for attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian personnel and United Nations associated personnel.

4. As we convene for this event, it is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of humanitarian assistance, humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These principles must guide our actions as we strive to alleviate suffering and uphold the dignity of all those affected by humanitarian emergencies.

5. The Group strongly condemns the alarming rise in attacks, threats and violence against humanitarian and medical personnel, particularly local and national staff, as well as, their facilities, equipment, and supplies. Such acts violate International Humanitarian Law and severely hinder the delivery of life-saving assistance. The Group pays tribute to the courage and commitment of all those engaged in humanitarian operations, especially those on the front lines.

6. The Group, unequivocally, condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, including attacks on objects essential for their survival, which is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Parties to armed conflict must protect civilian infrastructure vital for essential services and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Madam Vice President,

7. More than ever, international cooperation and sustained technical and financial support from States and the UN system are indispensable, including scaling innovative funding mechanisms and diversifying via non-traditional donors, to ensure that no one is left behind in times of emergencies. Such support must strengthen, not replace, national and local mechanisms, enabling timely and effective responses by Governments. Prioritizing capacity-building and resilience, particularly in developing countries, is essential to ensure nationally led and sustainable responses to humanitarian challenges.

8. The Group expresses deep concern over the widening gap between increasing humanitarian needs and available resources, and stresses the importance of bridging this gap while maintaining a clear distinction between humanitarian and development financing.

9. Finally, the Group notes with appreciation the call to action launched by the Vice President of the ECOSOC and Chair of this year's Humanitarian Affairs Segment, which aims to promote the international community's commitment toward addressing growing humanitarian needs.

10. In conclusion, the urgency and scale of today's humanitarian emergencies require a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility and a rebalancing of global priorities. Let us move beyond rhetoric toward a truly equitable humanitarian system. It is only through genuine solidarity, respect for international law, and the empowerment of national capacities that we can deliver in order to uphold dignity.

I thank you.