Theme: Strengthening humanitarian assistance to address unprecedented humanitarian challenges: advancing transformations, upholding principles and respect for international humanitarian law, and reinforcing the coordination, funding, delivery and impact of humanitarian assistance to support people in need

Your Excellency, the Vice President of the ECOSOC
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

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

1. At the outset allow me, on behalf of the group, to express gratitude to you, your excellency, Ambassador Héctor Gómez, the vice President of ECOSOC and the Chair of this year's Humanitarian Affairs Segment for convening this important event.

Mister Vice President,

2. The Group of 77 and China acknowledges with grave concern that we are facing unprecedented humanitarian challenges, with humanitarian needs reaching record levels, and deeply regrets that developing countries continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the impacts of conflicts, disasters, climate change, economic shocks, food insecurity and public health emergencies. These interconnected crises threaten hard-won development gains and place additional pressure on already constrained national capacities.

3. Therefore, the Group wishes to underscore that the imperative for strengthened international solidarity is more critical than ever to respond to humanitarian needs effectively. We must accelerate our efforts to strengthen coordination, financing, delivery and impact of humanitarian assistance to all people in need, in particular the 239 million people that are projected to need assistance this year, as quoted in the 2026 Humanitarian Overview.

4. At the same time, the Group reaffirms that humanitarian assistance must be guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. The Group continues to strongly condemn 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, severely hinder the delivery of life-saving assistance and may constitute war crimes. The Group pays tribute to the courage and commitment of all those engaged in humanitarian operations, especially those on the front lines, and reaffirms its strong and continuous support to the key humanitarian work undertaken by OCHA and UNRWA on the ground.

5. The Group of 77 and China 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. In that regard, the group wishes to underscore that protecting civilian infrastructure is vital for essential services and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

6. The Group also wishes to highlight the urgent necessity to promote and respect international humanitarian law, including the obligation of all parties to armed conflicts to allow and facilitate rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, as we strive to alleviate suffering and uphold the dignity of all those affected by humanitarian emergencies. We must also double efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian personnel and United Nations associated personnel.

Mister Vice President,

7. The Group of 77 and China notes with concern the decrease in total reported humanitarian funding amid these unprecedented challenges. More than ever, international cooperation and sustained technical and financial support from States and the UN system are indispensable. The group extends its appreciation to all Member States that provide humanitarian funding and urges developed countries to continue to do so, while recognizing the need to escalate innovative funding mechanisms and diversifying via non-traditional donors. The Group also stresses the importance of bridging the humanitarian financing gap while maintaining a clear distinction between humanitarian and development financing. Prioritizing capacity-building and resilience, particularly in developing countries, is essential to ensure nationally led and sustainable responses to humanitarian challenges.

8. The Group also wishes to highlight that humanitarian action alone cannot address the growing scale and complexity of humanitarian crises. Greater attention must be given to addressing their root causes, including poverty, inequality, the adverse impacts of climate change and other structural vulnerabilities that continue to disproportionately affect developing countries.

9. In conclusion, the Group stands ready to work together with all relevant partners to respond more effectively to the urgency and scale of today's humanitarian emergencies, ensuring that the needs and priorities of affected developing countries remain at the centre of our collective efforts through genuine solidarity, respect for international law, and the empowerment of national capacities.