Mr. President,

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China as well as the other co-sponsors, I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution entitled "International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development", contained in document A/62/L.34

Mr. President,

Successive reports of the Secretary General on humanitarian issues indicate an alarming increasing in the number and scale of natural disasters, over the past decade, particularly in the developing countries. The poverty-disaster interface has the potential for immense suffering and loss. Natural disasters not only have an adverse impact on the economic and social development of the vulnerable, especially the poor but also impede progress towards development goals including the Millennium Development Goals.
Although it may not be possible to completely eliminate the suffering caused by natural disasters, commitment to enhance preparedness and response capacity could help in the early recovery and long-term rehabilitation of those affected by such disasters.

It is in this backdrop that the Group of 77 and China have again tabled this resolution, which requires the continued attention of the international community on this important issue.

Strengthening disaster preparedness, response and early recovery efforts to mitigate and minimize the impact of natural disasters is one of main objectives of the draft resolution L 34. In this context, the G77 & China wish to highlight that the affected State has the primary responsibility in the initiation, organization, coordination and implementation of humanitarian assistance within its territory. At the same time, it is important to strengthen international cooperation, especially through the effective use of multilateral mechanisms in the provision of humanitarian assistance during all phases of disaster - from relief and mitigation to development.

The resolution also recognizes the role information and telecommunication technology can play in disaster response and encourages the international community to assist the efforts of developing countries in enhancing their capacity in this regard.

Mr. President,

The resolution is also mindful of the importance of rapid access to funds to ensure a more predictable and timely United Nations response to humanitarian emergencies. Welcoming the establishment of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the resolution also calls for mobilization of adequate, flexible and sustainable resources for the recovery activities.

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I wish to thank all those member States who have co-sponsored this important resolution to express their commitment in strengthening international cooperation to respond to the challenges of relief and early recovery. I hope that as in the past, the General Assembly will adopt this draft resolution by consensus.

I thank you.