Sr. Presidente,

Tengo el honor de dirigirme a esta Asamblea General en nombre del Grupo de los 77 y China para presentar el proyecto de resolución contenido en el documento A/65/L.59.

En primer lugar, me gustaría expresar el agradecimiento del Grupo de los 77 y China a la Sra. Isaura Duarte de Colombia, que coordinó exitosamente la negociación de este proyecto de documento. Deseo también agradecer a todas las Delegaciones por su activa participación en las negociaciones.

Es un placer para mí anunciar que México y Japón se han sumado a los copatrocinadores de esta resolución. Ahora continuaré en idioma inglés con la presentación de este proyecto.^*

Mr. President,

As in previous sessions, the G77 and China submitted the draft resolution on "International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development", because it believes that humanitarian assistance should not only provide relief but also contribute to rebuild the social fabric of affected populations while ensuring its sustainability after the emergency. Emergency assistance must be provided in ways supportive of recovery and long-term development.

Moreover, efforts to reduce disaster risks must be integrated into programs for sustainable development, with a view to poverty reduction and achievement of the MDGs.

The massive losses of life and property in developing countries caused by natural disasters make clear the need to support their efforts in building capacities through international cooperation. In this regard, a strengthened coordination among UN agencies and governments would help achieve a more efficient response to disasters, without duplication of efforts.

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 for all responses to humanitarian emergencies. We also emphasize the primary role of the concerned State in the initiation, coordination, and implementation of humanitarian assistance.

Financial support is the backbone of the humanitarian work. Therefore, strengthening both UN and non - UN funding mechanisms for humanitarian assistance and ensuring timely, predictable, adequate and flexible funding for emergencies arising from natural disasters are essential for effective responses. In this regard, we welcome the financial pledges made for the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) during the High-Level Conference held in December 2010.

Mr. President,

The Group engaged constructively during the negotiations on this resolution, integrating to the extent possible different views and proposals expressed by our partners while trying to preserve the driving spirit of the Resolution. We look forward to the adoption of this draft resolution by consensus.

Thank you.