STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MS. CELIA KAFUREKA NABETA, MINISTER COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF UGANDA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE 2024 ECOSOC HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS SEGMENT ON THE PRIORITY THEME: "PUTTING HUMANITY FIRST IN THE FACE OF CONFLICTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE: STRENGTHENING HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND RESPECT FOR INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW, AND PROMOTING EFFECTIVENESS, INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS" (New York, 25 June 2024)

Your Excellency, the Vice President of the ECOSOC
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

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

The group expresses gratitude to you your excellency Ambassador Ivan Šimonović, the vice President of ECOSOC and chair of this year's Humanitarian Affairs Segment along with the Bureau and the Secretariat for convening this important event.

The challenges we face are profound and multifaceted, exacerbated by conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change among others. These crises do not discriminate; they affect the most vulnerable among us disproportionately, including women, children, and those in vulnerable situations. The global humanitarian overview estimates that nearly 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance which amounts to $46.6 Million, due to armed conflicts, the adverse impacts of climate change and other drivers.

Excellencies,

As we convene for this event, it is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of humanitarian assistance, of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These principles must guide our actions as we strive to alleviate suffering and uphold the dignity of all individuals affected by humanitarian emergencies.

This year's theme "Putting humanity first in the face of conflicts and climate change: Strengthening humanitarian assistance and respect for international humanitarian law, and promoting effectiveness, innovation and partnerships" emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing humanity amidst global challenges like armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies. It underscores the need to enhance the provision of humanitarian assistance, uphold international humanitarian law, and foster international cooperation towards effectiveness, innovation, and partnerships in addressing these complex issues.

We must strengthen international cooperation and solidarity to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need swiftly and effectively. This requires not only financial resources but also political will and a commitment to respect international humanitarian law. The group urges all states, particularly developed countries, to enhance and scale up their financial contributions to humanitarian response plans and calls upon all stakeholders to fulfill their pledges for humanitarian financing to ensure a stronger international response to growing humanitarian needs.

Moreover, we must address the root causes of humanitarian crises, including poverty and inequality. Sustainable development and conflict prevention are essential components of our efforts to build resilience and reduce vulnerability, in addition to investing in the strengthening of state institutions to ensure long-term stability.

Excellencies,

In conclusion, let us seize this opportunity to renew our resolve and redouble our efforts to protect the most vulnerable and ensure the full enjoyment of the human rights and dignity of every human being. By working together with determination and compassion, we can make meaningful progress towards a more just and humane world.

I thank you for your attention.