Mr. President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, allow me, on behalf of the Group, to thank you for convening this timely meeting to consider the humanitarian situation resulting from the floods in Pakistan and our thanks also goes to the Secretary-General and United Nations organizations for their efforts to alleviate suffering of the people affected by the floods.

The Group of 77 and China expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy to the Government and people of Pakistan in the wake of the most devastating floods in the history of the country. These floods have resulted in the loss of hundreds of precious lives and massive destruction of infrastructure and property. This is a disaster of unprecedented proportions that has shocked us all.

The Group of 77 and China would like to take this opportunity to express assurances of our continued support to Pakistan where millions have been affected by this natural calamity. We would like also thank the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Mr.s Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, for his statement on the humanitarian situation in Pakistan in the wake of floods and elucidating the needs for relief and rehabilitation.

Mr. President,

The alarming frequency and ferocity of the natural disasters is a major concern being faced by the world and in the past few years many countries have been severely impacted by these disasters.
Implications of disasters in developing countries are particularly immense, due mainly to the lake of resources, long-lasting consequences on affected populations and the adverse impact on the environment and livelihoods of millions of people.

Mr. President,

We acknowledge the efforts being undertaken by the Government of Pakistan for the rescue and relief of the affected populations in cooperation with the international community. We emphasize that the needs of those affected by this disaster are urgent and should receive substantial, immediate medium and long-term assistance from the international community.

The Group of 77 and China stresses upon the international community to continue to help Pakistan in coping with the challenges it faces in the wake of these unprecedented floods.

Mr. President,

The Group of 77 and China reiterates its commitment and full support for the guiding principles contained in the annex to the General Assembly resolution 46/182 of 16 December 1991 as the framework for the provision of UN humanitarian assistance. These principles, namely, neutrality, humanity and impartiality, should remain the basis of all responses to humanitarian emergencies and guide the efficiency and coordination of humanitarian assistance by the UN and all relevant organizations.

Mr. President,

We would like to thank you for convening this meeting on the World Humanitarian Day which was designated by the General Assembly to contribute to increasing public awareness about humanitarian assistance activities worldwide and the importance of international cooperation in this regard, as well as to honour all humanitarian and United Nations and associated personnel who have worked in the promotion of the humanitarian cause and those who have lost their lives in the cause of duty.

In conclusion, we hope and pray that the people of Pakistan with the help of the international community will be able to cope with this massive disaster.

Thank you Mr. President.