Mr. President,

It is an honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China in today's debate on strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance.

Over the years the humanitarian challenges resulting from complex emergencies and natural disasters continue to increase especially in developing countries and this year has been unprecedented in this regard. As a result, millions of people were killed and millions are displaced. Thousands of houses and farmlands were destroyed. A large number of people are suffering from diseases and living with unmet health needs. Moreover, these challenges have been compounded by the impact of the global economic and financial crisis, world food crises and continuing food insecurity, energy crises and the challenges posed by climate change.

In light of these challenges, it is essential to redouble our efforts to alleviate the suffering of millions around the world.

Mr. President,

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

In this regard, we also emphasize the primary role of the concerned State in the initiation, organization, coordination, and implementation of humanitarian assistance.
The Group of 77 and China express its appreciation to the role of the UN in the coordination of the humanitarian assistance and the progress made in humanitarian reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness of humanitarian response. In this regard, the Group emphasizes the importance of enhancing the coordination, effectiveness and efficiency.

The Group of 77 and China urges the international community to support the efforts of the developing countries in building humanitarian capacities, among others, through the transfer of technology and expertise and extending multi-sectoral cooperation.

We reaffirm that Member States must comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 to protect and assist civilians in occupied territories and call on the UN system and the international community to strengthen their efforts to provide the humanitarian assistance to those civilians.

Mr. President,

As in previous sessions, the G77 and China will submit a draft resolution on 'International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development'. By introducing the resolution, the Group wants to reaffirm that humanitarian assistance should transcend the concept of relief and be linked with national priorities and particularities. Humanitarian assistance should be provided within a holistic approach, understanding that such assistance should contribute to rebuild the social fabric of affected populations while contributing to the development of economic structures and ensuring its sustainability after the emergency.

Moreover, efforts to reduce disaster risks must be systematically integrated into policies, plans and programmes for sustainable development and poverty reduction and supported through bilateral, regional and international cooperation. Adequate disaster risk reduction and early recovery activities should enable countries to effectively address the underlying risk drivers and contribute towards poverty reduction and the achievement of the MDGs. As a consequence the G77 and China is convinced that strengthened coordination among UN agencies and governments is needed to achieve a more efficient response, care and coverage and without duplication of efforts.

We are pleased at the growing consensus for this annual draft resolution and we look forward to the continued support of our partners to this important initiative.

Mr. President,

Unfortunately, we have witnessed increased acts of violence against humanitarian workers. The G77 and China condemns all attacks against humanitarian workers who render invaluable services to people in need of humanitarian assistance. In recent years, there has been an increased number and scale of UN commitments in the field of humanitarian assistance. This has also led to increased exposure of UN personnel to varied challenges. The United Nations Security System should also take in view the increasing number of humanitarian operations by providing necessary training opportunities, capacity building and cultural awareness to the UN personnel in order to perform effectively and efficiently at their duty stations including through enhanced coordination with host governments. We welcome the new Security System and expect it to help improving the safety and security of the UN personnel. We also appreciate the efforts made by Member States in providing safety and security to UN and other personnel and urge them to continue to take all possible measures for the safety and security of UN and other personnel.

The Group would like to emphasize the importance of the principle of equitable geographical distribution upon recruitment of staff, especially senior staff, in the United Nation humanitarian system.

There is no doubt that funding is the backbone of the humanitarian work. Therefore , strengthening financial mechanisms for humanitarian assistance and ensuring timely, predictable, adequate and flexible funding for both complex emergencies and natural disasters is essential for an effective response to emergencies. In this regard, we welcome the financial pledges made for the Central Emergency Response fund (CERF) during the High-Level Conference which was held in the past two days.

The Group of 77 and China has engaged actively and constructively during the negotiations on the resolution entitled "Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistant of the United Nations" and looks forward to its adoption.

The Group also looks for the adoption of the draft resolutions before us which undoubtedly will contribute to cope with the humanitarian challenges that we are facing.

Mr. President,

Finally, allow me, on behalf of the Group, to congratulate Ms. Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for the assumption of this important position and we are confident the office will continue to do its noble work under her able leadership and we also would like to express our appreciation to her predecessor, Mr. John Holmes, for his tireless work during the past years.

The Group looks forward to a constructive and fruitful discussion on this important issue.

I thank you