A/74/PV.49 General Assembly

May I start by aligning the United Kingdom with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union earlier this morning (see A/74/PV.48). The needs of people affected by crises around the world have never been as high or as pressing as they are today. In 2020, nearly 168 million people in 53 countries — that is, one in as few as 45 people worldwide — will need humanitarian assistance and protection. In many cases, crises are lasting well over 10 years. We are facing an increasingly diverse range of crises. Armed conflict endangers millions of lives in Yemen, Syria, South Sudan and Nigeria. Ebola continues to threaten development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, and, as the tragic floods and cyclones in southern Africa have demonstrated, climate change has led to more frequent and extreme weather events. Violence against aid workers and violations of international law are on the rise. In order to tackle these challenges, it is more important than ever for the international community to come together to harness our resources and our ideas to anticipate better the humanitarian challenges and assist those most in need. The United Kingdom is proud to be the third- largest bilateral donor of global humanitarian funds. We provide multi-year bilateral humanitarian funding to tackle more than 30 crises and substantial core funding to the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and we have been the largest supporter of the Central Emergency Response Fund since its establishment. However, with crises affecting more people for longer periods of time, the international community needs to be better at supporting those most in need, even if it means doing things differently. Member States have provided a record $16 billion of humanitarian funding in 2019, but that is still not enough to cover global needs. The United Kingdom therefore continues to work towards a more efficient and effective humanitarian system. We are proud of our commitment to double our use of cash in crises by 2025 and are working with partners to drive better data and assessment of need as well as response prioritization. We are keen to explore how Member States can renew the momentum to deliver on humanitarian reform priorities. This includes fostering a more accountable humanitarian system, including to those it is there to serve. We are keen to work together to develop a new and stronger approach to managing the risk of crises. As well as improving our responses, we must continue to improve the ways we anticipate and prepare for them. Disasters and crises should no longer be treated as unpredictable catastrophes. So to save lives, we need to act earlier and invest better in prevention, resilience, preparedness and risk financing. That is why the United Kingdom recently supported the launch of the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership at the United Nations Climate Summit. This provides an exciting opportunity and a global platform to scale up investment in early action and preparedness. The United Kingdom would like to express its severe disappointment at the fact that Member States have been asked to consider amendments today (A/74/L.35 and A/74/L.36). We urge all States to reject any attempt to undermine sexual and reproductive health rights and services. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls should be at the core of principled humanitarian action. Effective, equitable and participatory humanitarian action cannot be achieved without understanding and responding to the specific priorities and capacities of a diverse range of women, girls, men and boys, and this includes ensuring women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes and their full enjoyment of all, and I stress all, their human rights. The United Kingdom is proud to be a global leader in efforts to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls, including conflict-related sexual violence and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our commitment remains unwavering, and we will continue to push for these to be central to humanitarian responses. In 2020 we will all need to do more to face the scale and severity of the challenge ahead. The United Kingdom will continue to fight to deliver principled humanitarian action to those who need it most. We will continue to push for improved coherence to better tackle protracted crises and reduce humanitarian needs.

At this moment, more than 167 million people on our planet are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. That is 35 million more than when we met at this time last year. The number seems too staggering to absorb, but it represents 167 million individuals living in misery and fear, and it is our basic human obligation to address this enormous need. Humanitarian crises now last an average of nine years, and it can be disheartening to see so many situations that, in spite of our best efforts, are not improving. Increasing drought, epic storms and excessive heat, along with natural disasters, food insecurity, epidemics and conflict, can all cause or contribute to human suffering. Unless we act individually and collectively, the number of people in need is likely to continue rising. Israel commends the efforts and actions of the United Nations humanitarian response system, working under difficult and often unpredictable conditions. We believe that the right way of dealing with humanitarian crises should combine immediate assistance with a strategy that takes a longer view. Efforts should aim to stabilize the situation with an eye to long-term development. That is how we can help prevent relapse, which occurs far too often. Of course, strong, transparent institutions, democratic governance and the rule of law can go a long way towards averting crises and, more importantly, when they do occur, towards building resilience to the effects and speeding recovery. Every nation can have a role to play in reducing the number of people affected by humanitarian crises, not only through financial contributions but also through coordinated, in-kind assistance, sending personnel and supplies or sharing best practices to prepare for a crisis. Even the smallest nation can help bring relief. Israel, a small nation, is known for being among the first on the scene whenever disaster strikes. Israeli doctors, nurses, search-and-rescue specialists and engineers provide immediate relief and save lives every year and in almost every corner of the globe. From a dam collapse in Brazil to cyclone relief in Mozambique, to an epidemic in Cameroon, Israeli specialists are quickly on the scene. MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, plays a large role in the State’s humanitarian activities, but so do Israeli non-governmental organizations such as IsraAID and medical centres such as Tel HaShomer, whose medical personnel are at this moment working in Samoa to help quell the measles epidemic. Building local capacity is one of MASHAV’s founding principles, and the Agency works together with other countries on combating desertification and drought; climate change and agriculture; and building community resilience. MASHAV offers training for professionals from around the world who deal with crises. Programmes include emergency situations management and preparing for mass casualty situations, and include the regional trauma training that was organized in Togo a few months ago and brought together 20 doctors and medical staff from nine African countries. There are many opportunities for the public sector, civil society, academia and the private sector, in all nations, to become partners in humanitarian assistance. When people are under threat anywhere, others everywhere feel the need to help. These days, when multilateralism is under attack, it is even more important to remember that what we have in common is much stronger than our differences and that our shared humanity will inspire us to play an even greater role in bringing relief to those in desperate need.

I now give the floor to the observer of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

As we culminate this year, which marks the seventieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is heartened to see so many events around the world demonstrating States’ support for these essential rules of war. Despite a rapidly changing operational landscape and the deep and growing needs of people, a fundamental commitment to humanitarian principles and action holds firm. Given that obligations to protect civilians, the wounded and the detained are central to the Conventions, this is encouraging. To further this momentum, the ICRC would like to draw attention to three pressing concerns affecting the protection of people and the provision of relief that States must address  — first, a deficit of trust; secondly, people wrongly deprived of their liberty because of association with certain armed groups; and thirdly, urban conflict. First, principled humanitarian action relies on trust among humanitarians and parties to conflicts, the affected population and donors. Without this trust, it is difficult to ensure that the provision of relief and the protection of vulnerable people is managed safely and to a high standard. Humanitarian actors must earn trust and States must demonstrate it. Impartial humanitarian actors, such as the ICRC, are entitled by law to offer their services to all parties to armed conflict and must live up to humanitarian principles and standards of transparency and effectiveness. On the other hand, States must demonstrate trust by preserving humanitarian space  — both geographic and regulatory  — and by facilitating impartial humanitarian action in line with their obligations under international law. Cooperation, not interference, should be the basis for relationships between authorities and humanitarian organizations. This is especially important on issues of access, data protection and financial and other reporting. The ICRC is working to improve our accountability to States and conflict-affected people, strengthening integrity measures and improving our community engagement and accountability. Building trust was a major priority at our thirty-third International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which just ended, and we will take forward the commitments made there. Our second concern is about people wrongly deprived of their protections under the law because of their association or perceived association with certain armed groups or those designated as terrorists. Governments are leaving people stranded in legal limbo, without due process of law, and without providing the legal protections to which they are entitled. International humanitarian law applies to everyone affected by armed conflict, without exception. All actors must accept their legal obligations towards this group of people and ensure that they do not face discrimination. That means holding open  — rather than restricting  — the space for principled humanitarian action, including by ensuring there are effective safeguards for such action within legitimate security frameworks and actions taken by States. Finally, it is essential that the conduct of hostilities and law enforcement operations, when carried out in urban areas, be in accordance with the law. The world is rapidly urbanizing, with more people living in cities and urban areas. Armed conflict and violence in these areas can have devastating consequences on people and the infrastructure they depend on to live. We call on all States and parties to armed conflict to avoid the use of explosive weapons with a wide-impact area in populated locations, in line with the joint statement by the ICRC President and the United Nations Secretary- General, and with a view to making further progress on the outcome of the Vienna Conference to be held in 2020. We also recognize the importance of national authorities, municipal authorities and development actors working together to ensure the continuity of life-sustaining and life-saving urban services in the water, health, electricity, education and economic sectors. Development finance is essential to the continuity of urban infrastructure and services. We welcome efforts by Governments and international financial institutions to maintain an impartial pipeline of development finance into all urban areas of countries affected by conflict, fragility and violence. Addressing the challenges laid out in this statement would be an important sign of commitment to our common humanity, to principled humanitarian action and to the Geneva Conventions at the end of this seventieth anniversary year. The ICRC is ready to assist States in carrying out their obligations and commitments this year and in years to come.

I now give the floor to the observer of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

On behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its 192 national societies, allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to contribute to today’s important debate. Once again, in 2019, climate and weather- related disasters hit hard with catastrophic local consequences  — Hurricane Dorian in the Caribbean, the floods in Sierra Leone, Cyclone Idai in south-eastern Africa, the drought in Afghanistan, flooding in Iran and heat waves in Europe. And through our presence at the local level and our 14 million volunteers worldwide, we know that climate-related extreme weather events are more frequent and more severe, and that their impact is greater on people living in vulnerable situations and in places and contexts where there is danger and a risk of their being left behind. Looking ahead, the World Meteorological Organization has stated that the increase in weather and climate extremes will also lead to a significant increase in their impact on people across the world. According to its predictions, we could soon see more than 140 million people displaced as a result of slow- onset impacts of climate change, water scarcity, crop failure, sea-level rise and storm surges. Earlier this year, our report, The Cost of Doing Nothing, attempted to put a price tag on the international humanitarian cost of doing nothing in the face of the climate crisis. Drawing on data from the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Disaster Database generated under the auspices of the Emergency Events Database, and our own statistics, the report estimates that the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of storms, droughts and floods could climb beyond 200 million annually — compared to an estimated 108 million today. It further suggests that the rising human toll would come with a huge financial price tag, with climate-related humanitarian costs ballooning to $20 billion per year by 2030 in the most pessimistic scenario. However, despite those dire predictions, the report also shows that if the global community takes action to build resilience, adapt and address the current climate crisis, combined with ambitious action focused on climate adaptation and prioritizing climate-smart development, we could reduce the number of people needing assistance to 70 million by 2030, and reduce it even further to 10 million by 2050. All of this data gives us cause for great concern and confirms the urgency of climate action by all actors. But action is needed now. The IFRC calls on Governments and humanitarian and development actors to reduce long-term vulnerability and exposure. Stronger buildings, more resilient infrastructure and such dedicated infrastructure as dykes and pumping stations can protect people and economies. The IFRC also calls on States to anticipate risks, improve early warning and strengthen emergency response. There will continue to be a need to respond to disasters, but the way aid groups and Governments do so can be drastically improved. More emphasis is needed on early-warning systems that reach vulnerable communities and new, creative mechanisms, such as anticipatory financing, for funding humanitarian response before a disaster strikes. Indeed, we will host the Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership, mentioned just a few minutes ago by the representative of the United Kingdom. Finally, we need to rebuild and repair with the next emergency in mind, which can greatly reduce the impact of future hazards by prioritizing reduction of long-term vulnerability and exposure. Last week, the IFRC, its 192 national societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the State parties to the Geneva Conventions gathered in Geneva for the thirty-third International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, held every four years since 1867. In an era of increasing scrutiny of the humanitarian sector, this year’s in-depth discussions on trust, integrity and accountability were central to the Conference. In addition, key issues on the agenda included mental health, climate change, pandemic preparedness, data protection and migration. The Conference adopted a number of resolutions on critical issues that will impact the humanitarian community for years to come, such as strengthening respect for international humanitarian law; considering effective disaster-related laws and policies that address the climate agenda and leave no one behind; restoring family links while protecting privacy; addressing mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies; tackling epidemics and pandemics together with public authorities; and affirming the importance of women being represented at the decision-making levels of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movements. The IFRC and its 192 national societies have been working to assist people in vulnerable situations for more than a hundred years. We will continue providing life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable and left behind, and we are ready to ensure the follow-up of all decisions of our International Conference, working closely with Governments in our auxiliary function to deliver services to the last mile.

I commend one and all for their work on the draft resolutions related to the strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance (A/74/L.30, A/74/L.31, A/74/L.32, A/74/L.33 and A/74/L.34). Their efforts are integral to the realization of the values of the Charter of the United Nations. It is crucial that the General Assembly continue to develop policies and strengthen norms to better address humanitarian crises. Today, humanitarian crises are becoming more protracted and are increasing in size and complexity. Inequality is widening within and between countries, hunger is on the rise, infectious disease outbreaks continue, we still see human rights violations and political and social exclusion, the number of armed conflicts have risen, and non-State armed actors continue to pose significant security concerns in all regions. As a result, generations are growing up in refugee camps. Today, 70.8 million people around the world are forcibly displaced, and the figure is on the rise. This humanitarian catastrophe demands urgent attention. We must make sure that every man, woman and child is safe, and that where disaster strikes — regardless of its cause — those most affected receive our urgent action. Let me remind the Assembly that we have pledged to leave no one behind. We must therefore do much more to prevent humanitarian crises and protect the people who are suffering in order to enable them to ascend out of inhumane conditions and the trap of poverty. We need to strengthen our collective efforts to address the root causes of crises and prevent further suffering. The climate emergency and environmental degradation exacerbate crises and have placed some of the most vulnerable populations in even more precarious situations. Eight of the worst food crises today are linked to both conflict and climate shocks. Current global emissions trends will lead to further global warming, and human beings will suffer the impact of severe and extreme weather events. The climate emergency is already causing unprecedented human and socioeconomic costs. I was disheartened that the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Madrid did not agree on key areas. We must therefore continue to work together to push through on common commitments to reach carbon neutrality and a cap of 1.5°C temperature rise to deliver a better future for all. Both the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are people-centred instruments that we created to aid us in our common efforts to create a better world for all. They are a feat of multilateralism, in recognition of our collective duty to serve the peoples of the world. In just a few weeks, we will enter the decade of action and delivery for the 2030 Agenda. I urge the Assembly to recommit to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their associated targets. Substantive and continued progress on all of them is a prerequisite for a more peaceful and safer world. My priorities for the seventy-fourth session are anchored in the SDGs, particularly poverty eradication and zero hunger, climate action, quality education and inclusion. Achieving the targets of these Goals will improve the lives of the people we serve around the world, and we will be better prepared to prevent and respond to humanitarian crises. This also means having strong social services and climate-resilient infrastructure, investing in health systems and scaling-up vaccination programmes, establishing adequate water supplies, investing in counter-terrorism efforts and ensuring that people are not marginalized in society or left vulnerable to recruitment by extremists. We must protect the millions of human beings who are trapped in conflict. We must respond to people’s needs, advocating and upholding the full respect of the rights of all individuals, in accordance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law. I underscore the need to protect our children and youth who are living under such conditions. It is inconceivable that in this era, millions of children are deprived of their human rights and that one out of every three children are out of school because of conflict or natural disasters. Protecting our children and facilitating equal access to quality education is a foremost priority and deserves our full attention. We must prioritize the protection of girls. Today, women and girls are at a higher risk of sexual and gender-based violence than before. Such violence has long-term, devastating effects. Protecting and preventing all violence against women is a prerequisite for gender equality and upholding women’s rights. We must step up our efforts to empower women caught in crisis. Improved analysis and more tools are now available to us to enable us to respond to the specific needs of women. Our Organization was created with the primary responsibility to uphold peace and security. However, today, international humanitarian legal obligations are being shirked in many conflicts. In this year of the seventieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, we acknowledge that much has been achieved, but, clearly, much more remains to be done, as various reports of relevant bodies have indicated. In complex modern conflicts, let us not forget that international humanitarian principles remain key. I call on all Member States and parties to conflicts to fully adhere to international humanitarian law. Attacks on health-care workers are increasing, and humanitarian personnel continue to face significant threats. Shockingly, in the period between January 2018 and July 2019, 16 United Nations personnel and 32 humanitarian personnel working with non-governmental organizations lost their lives in the line of duty. These individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice. We must honour their memory by working together to meet the needs of the people we serve. We must recognize and appreciate the organizations that bring hope and assistance to our fellow human beings in their darkest days. I call on everyone to provide support and protection to anyone who undertakes such indispensable work. Last week, Member States invested in humankind at the 2019 High-Level Pledging Event for the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The empathy and solidarity they have shown towards our brothers and sisters who need our support give me hope that despite the immense challenges we face, we can and will succeed by working together. The CERF strategic pooled funding mechanism has already achieved success in terms of effective coordination and timely response to crises, often utilizing cash to respond to those in need as swiftly as possible. For example, the Fund facilitates education to children at risk in conflict areas. That innovative approach to the financial response is replicated as we break down silos in our efforts to improve our working methods. We are strengthening collaboration between humanitarian and development organizations. The resident coordinator system is set up to work closely with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and we need to enhance synergies and strengthen the humanitarian-development nexus. If we are to be at our most effective and efficient, we must continue to streamline our work. It is projected that there will be 167.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2020. Clearly, we need to redouble our efforts and take action to safeguard the people whom we are duty-bound to assist. Indeed, focusing more on the SDGs may enable us to reduce that high figure. Let us therefore work together and take action now to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and to ensure that people everywhere live healthier, more meaningful and dignified lives. We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolutions A/74/L.30, A/74/L.31, A/74/L.32, A/74/L.33 and A/74/L.34 and draft amendments A/74/L.35 and A/74/L.36. Before the Assembly takes action on these draft resolutions and draft amendments, one by one, representatives are reminded that they will have an opportunity to explain their vote or position on any or all of the draft resolutions or draft amendments either before or after action. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the voting, I would like to remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I have the honour to deliver the first part of this statement on behalf of a group of countries, including Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Uruguay and my own country, Canada. We deeply regret that the agreed language related to sexual and reproductive health is being challenged in the draft resolutions on international cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development (A/74/L.31) and on the strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations (A/74/L.34). Reliable and safe access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services is essential to saving lives and ensuring the health and well-being of all people, especially women and girls. In humanitarian crises, the need for such services is particularly acute, owing to the heightened risk of disease; the potential complications for maternal, newborn and maternal health as a result of displacement and service disruption; and the frequent occurrence of sexual and gender-based violence, especially in fragile and conflict-affected States. It is estimated that a staggering 60 per cent of maternal mortality occurs in humanitarian and fragile settings because women do not have access to the sexual and reproductive health services they need. That is more than 500 women and girls dying every single day because they lack access to services. Timely and effective sexual and reproductive health interventions can help prevent morbidity and mortality, including for women and girls who may be especially vulnerable. The language in these draft resolutions reflects years of consensus and recognizes the important role that sexual and reproductive health services can play to advance gender equality and, in the long-term, support the achievement of women’s and girls’ economic empowerment, poverty reduction and sustainable development. In addition, ensuring access to quality sexual and reproductive health services in humanitarian settings requires precisely the kind of coordination and cooperation that these draft resolution seek to promote. We are therefore deeply disappointed that this language is being challenged once again. We call upon all delegations to vote against draft amendments A/74/L.35 and A/74/L.36. I am delivering the second part of this statement in my national capacity, on behalf of Canada alone. In the face of increasingly dangerous operating environments, the draft resolution on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel (A/74/L.32) is an important framework to focus efforts in protecting them from significant threats, including harassment, intimidation, criminality, and direct and indiscriminate attacks. Canada strongly supports efforts to promote compliance with international humanitarian law. Our position is that ensuring respect for international humanitarian law speaks to Canada’s treaty obligations pursuant to common article I of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I. Canada will always meet its international legal obligations to respect international humanitarian law. In conclusion, Canada would like to thank the European Union for its excellent facilitation of the draft resolution. Canada believes that we are all stronger when we work together. As such, we are proud to join the consensus today in advancing the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and the protection of United Nations personnel.

I will present two statements — the first, on draft resolution A/74/L.31, on natural disasters and the second, on draft resolution A/74/L.34, the humanitarian omnibus draft resolution. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. The candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, as well as the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. The EU thanks Morocco for conducting open and transparent informal consultations on the draft resolution on natural disasters and for trying to accommodate the comments of various delegations. The EU deeply regrets the decision by the United States, for the second time, to submit a draft amendment (A/74/L.35) on such an important annual resolution, which has traditionally been adopted by consensus. There was wide agreement during the negotiations to revert to the previously agreed language in operative paragraph 62 when it became clear that concerted and lengthy efforts to find an alternative wording would not lead to an agreement acceptable to all delegations. The United Nation membership, many of whom hold divergent views on the issue at hand, have always been able to agree on this language. That illustrates how carefully crafted and balanced that long-standing paragraph is. In that context, let us not forget that the international community made a shared commitment in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, which includes universal access to health-care services. Weakening that language would set a negative precedent, moving us backwards in time and neglecting and undermining the commitments made by all States Members of the United Nations. International cooperation, when responding to humanitarian needs in the context of natural disasters, requires us to act in a responsible way. Undermining consensus on this draft resolution can only have negative consequences, impacting, first and foremost, the most fundamental rights of women and girls in need of humanitarian assistance. For those reasons, the 28 member States of the European Union will vote against the draft amendment and we call on all other States to do the same. On the humanitarian omnibus draft resolution, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, as well as the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. The EU deeply regrets the decision by the United States, for the second time, to submit a draft amendment on such an important annual resolution, which has traditionally been adopted by consensus. We believe that Sweden has, in a transparent and fair manner, explained its desire to not open the resolution this year and to opt for a technical rollover. There was wide agreement among all those present to not open discussions this year. We therefore do not understand the need to submit amendments on a resolution that was not negotiated this year. There was wide agreement among delegations during the negotiations last year to revert to the previously agreed language in operative paragraphs 58 and 59 (see A/73/PV.54) when it became clear that concerted and lengthy efforts defined in alternative wording would not lead to an agreement acceptable to all delegations. The United Nations members, many of which hold divergent views on this issue, have always been able to agree on this language. That illustrates how carefully crafted and balanced these long-standing paragraphs are. In that context, let us not forget that the international community made a shared commitment in the 2030 Agenda to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, which includes universal access to health-care services. Weakening that language would set a negative precedent, moving us backwards in time and neglecting and undermining the commitments made by all United Nations Member States. International cooperation and the strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations is a crucial matter that requires us to act in a responsible way. Undermining consensus on this draft resolution can only have negative consequences, impacting first and foremost the most fundamental rights of the women and girls requiring humanitarian assistance. For those reasons, the 28 States members of the European Union will vote against these draft amendments and we call on all other States to do the same.

Let me first align myself with the statement just made on behalf of the European Union. Earlier today (see A/74/PV.48), I referred to the fact that this year marks the twenty-eighth anniversary of the landmark resolution 46/182, presented and adopted in December 1991, which created the foundation of today’s United Nations humanitarian system. I also then noted that it has ever since been the distinct privilege of my country, Sweden, to be the guardian of that resolution and to facilitate its annual review process in the General Assembly. Every year, we have reached agreement on the text of the draft resolution and, every year for almost three decades, the so-called omnibus resolution has been adopted by consensus in the Hall at the annual humanitarian debate. This humanitarian consensus sends a powerful message of support to the United Nations system, to the humanitarian actors and to their partners in the field about our common responsibility to uphold humanitarian principles, about our support for the United Nations humanitarian system and about our solidarity and collective responsibility to provide relief to those in need. We regret that, today, one Member State has introduced a draft amendment (A/74/L.36) to the humanitarian draft resolution (A/74/L.34), a text that, for almost three decades, has been adopted by consensus. The amendment and the need to put the draft resolution to a vote make us less unified and make our message weaker. So, as the traditional facilitator of this annual resolution in the General Assembly for 29 years, and on behalf of its 120 sponsors, I call on all Member States to protect our humanitarian consensus and to vote against the draft amendment to this draft resolution.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the voting. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/74/L.30, entitled “Persistent legacy of the Chernobyl disaster”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/74/L.30: Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, the Sudan, Sweden, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/74/L.30?

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/74/L.31, entitled “International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/74/L.31: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and Turkey.

In connection with draft resolution A/74/L.31, the General Assembly has before it a draft amendment circulated in document A/74/L.35. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly will first take a decision on the draft amendment. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft amendment, and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the Central African Republic has also become a sponsors of draft resolution A/74/L.35.

A recorded vote has been requested on the draft amendment contained in document A/74/L.35.

A separate, recorded vote has been requested on operative paragraph 62 of draft resolution A/74/L.31. I give the floor to the observer of the Observer State of Palestine on a point of order.

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, could you please inform us, Mr. President, which delegation has requested the vote?

The vote on operative paragraph 62 of draft resolution A/74/L.31 has been requested by the United States.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/74/L.31?

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/74/L.32, entitled “Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, the Philippines, which is among the delegations listed as a sponsor in document A/74/L.32, has notified the Secretariat that it no longer wishes to co-sponsor the draft resolution. In addition to the other delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/74/L.32: Afghanistan, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, the Gambia, Guatemala, Malawi, Palau, Peru, Sao Tome and Principe, Thailand and Togo.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/74/L.32?

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/74/L.33 entitled “Assistance to the Palestinian people”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/74/L.33: Andorra, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Djibouti, the Gambia, Georgia, Japan, Monaco, North Macedonia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, San Marino, Serbia, the Sudan and Zimbabwe.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/74/L.33?

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/74/L.34, entitled “Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution A/74/L.34, and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors: the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Chad, Chile, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, the Federated States of Micronesia, Namibia, the Niger, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Sao Tome and Principe, Thailand, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In connection with the draft resolution, the General Assembly has before it a draft amendment circulated in document A/74/L.36. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly shall first take a decision on the draft amendment. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft amendment circulated in document A/74/L.36, and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the Central African Republic has also become a sponsor of the draft amendment.

A recorded vote has been requested on the draft amendment contained in A/74/L.36.

A single, separate recorded vote has been requested on operative paragraphs 58 and 59 of draft resolution A/74/L.34.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/74/L.34?

Before giving the floor to representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote or position on the resolutions just adopted, I would like to remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

The United States joins consensus on these resolutions and co-sponsors resolution 74/116 on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel, but it had no alternative but to call for votes on paragraphs in the humanitarian omnibus and natural disasters resolutions (resolutions 74/118 and 74/115). In the light of the lack of acceptance of our proposed amendments, we must dissociate ourselves from operative paragraphs 58 and 59, as adopted, in the resolution 74/118 and from operative paragraph 62, as adopted, in resolution 74/115. We reaffirm the vital function of the United Nations in responding to humanitarian needs around the globe. The United States has long been a world leader in providing humanitarian assistance to people in need, including through the United Nations, and we remain committed to supporting those in need. We would like to take this opportunity to make important points of clarification regarding some of our concerns and red lines within the resolutions. With regard to international law, we underscore that these General Assembly resolutions are non-binding and do not create rights or obligations under international law. In addition, they do not change the current state of conventional or customary international law. Similarly, the United States does not understand any resolution as implying that States join or implement obligations under international instruments to which they are not a party. With regard to the International Criminal Court (ICC), the United States does not and cannot support references to the Court and the Rome Statute that do not distinguish sufficiently between parties and non-parties, or are otherwise inconsistent with the United States position on the ICC, particularly our continuing and long-standing objection to any assertion of ICC jurisdiction over nationals of States that are not parties to the Rome Statute, absent a referral from the Security Council or consent of such a State. Our position on the ICC in no way diminishes our commitment to supporting accountability for atrocities. With regard to references to sexual and reproductive health, the United States cannot accept references to sexual and reproductive health or other language that would promote abortion or suggest a right to abortion. Each nation has the sovereign right to implement related programmes and activities consistent with their laws and policies. There is no international right to abortion. Further, consistent with the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action and its report, we do not recognize abortion as a method of family planning. We have expressed our positions on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, climate change, technology transfer and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, as well as our objections with respect to the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants, in separate statements delivered in the Third Committee on 7 November and the Second Committee on 21 November. Finally, with regard to burden-sharing, the United States believes that the best way to help those affected by conflicts, disasters or other humanitarian crises is to make a financial contribution to the United Nations or other reputable humanitarian organizations working as part of the response. Member States must share the burden of responding to humanitarian crises around the world.

Hungary wishes to make a statement on resolution 74/115, entitled “International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development”. We joined the consensus on the resolution and would like to convey our appreciation to Morocco, as the resolution’s facilitator, for its work in preparing the text. Hungary aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union by the representative of Finland. Hungary remains concerned about the increasing impact of natural disasters, resulting in loss of life, worldwide food insecurity, water and sanitation-related challenges, property and infrastructure losses, as well as displacement. At the same time, we would like to take this opportunity to put on record our position with regard to its thirteenth preambular paragraph. We recall that Hungary voted against the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in the General Assembly in December 2018 (see A/73/PV.60) and will not take part in the implementation of the Compact. Therefore, we cannot accept any reference to the Global Compact in international documents. With that in mind, Hungary would like to dissociate itself from this paragraph. We also note that defining migration policies remains a national prerogative, and we interpret resolution 74/115 in line with these considerations.

Chile welcomes the work of the delegation of Morocco in its role as facilitator, as well as that of the rest of the members of the Group of 77 and China, in achieving consensus on resolution 74/115, entitled “International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development”, which we have just adopted in the General Assembly and which Chile supports. Nevertheless, we have asked for the floor with regard to the text presented by the Group of 77 to reiterate in the General Assembly that Chile does not participate in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Accordingly, it is not appropriate for us to make any objections with regard to its content. As a result, Chile dissociates itself from the reference to the Compact in the thirteenth preambular paragraph of the resolution.

Brazil delivers this explanation of vote after adoption of resolution 74/115. Brazil believes that an effective international response to the humanitarian challenges posed by natural disasters is a pressing necessity and an abiding duty of the international community. Resolution 74/115 constitutes an important tool for establishing priorities and guidelines in this regard. The core issues in relation to humanitarian assistance in the context of natural disasters present a complex and diversified array of challenges. As such, Brazil believes the resolution should remain focused on these core concerns and not branch out into outlying issues, such as migration. Brazil has therefore joined consensus on the resolution, but we dissociate ourselves from the thirteenth preambular paragraph. Brazil is not a member of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. We believe that the references to the Compact in that paragraph do not contribute to addressing current challenges in the field of natural disasters and are inappropriate in this context.

My delegation joined the consensus on resolution 74/115, entitled “International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development”, because we are committed to supporting international consensus on resolutions adoption under General Assembly agenda item 71 on strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance. This issue holds a place of particular importance in the work of our Organization. Turning to the thirteenth preambular paragraph of the resolution, which refers to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, my delegation would like to stress the following. When it comes to who may benefit from basic services, the text of the Global Compact does not distinguish between legal and illegal migrants. The lack of distinction between these two categories is not appropriate in a text of international character because it is ineffective in combating illegal migration. Algeria has always supported all migrants, regardless of their status. It does so out of solidarity and humanitarian considerations. However, resolution 74/115 does not sufficiently refer to practical procedures that could be used to prevent illegal immigration or to tackle armed conflict, political crises, famine and drought. We cannot address the effects of illegal migration without countering and uprooting its real causes. However, Algeria does support the goals of the Global Compact, which aims to address the structural problems driving people to leave their countries of origin as well as the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation. We also agree with the Compact’s aims to enhance control mechanisms for preventing the smuggling of migrants and the eradication of trafficking in persons. Algeria believes that it is appropriate to support the overall, multidimensional and solidarity nature of the Global Compact and its guidelines, based on the humanitarian dimension of migration as well as the sovereign right of States to improve their national policies in this area. We support the principle of respect for the sovereignty of States, their recognized fundamental role in the implementation and follow-up of the Compact, and the Compact’s non-binding nature. However, we believe that the Compact’s implementation and follow-up mechanism should be subject to prior consent by the States concerned. Furthermore, we must bear in mind the specificity of migration in each State and the need to refrain from exploiting a State’s migration issue as a means of intervening in its domestic affairs. We also call for the fair sharing of responsibilities and burdens, for respecting human rights and for supporting international cooperation.

My delegation joined the consensus on the adoption of resolution 74/115, entitled “International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development”, because we realize how important this subject is and because we are concerned about ensuring support for the principle of consensus agreement, whether among regional groups or in the United Nations in generally. In accordance with our position on the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, on which we abstained for reasons that we expressed at the time, we would like to express our reservations about the thirteenth preambular paragraph of resolution 74/115, because the fact that we joined the consensus on the resolution does not mean that we support that paragraph.

As a member of the Group of 77 and China, the State of Qatar is a proud sponsor of resolution 74/115, entitled “International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development”, and supports its important content. Given how much we value consensus within the Group of 77 and the general United Nations membership, we have chosen to go along with the resolution’s current text, despite our misgivings about the language of paragraph 62, in connection with sexual and reproductive health. However, since a draft amendment, contained in document A/74/L.35, was proposed that reflected our consistent position on the issue without diverting the main focus of the text from the promotion of health care, prevention and humanitarian work, we supported that draft amendment.

Italy would like to explain its vote on resolution 74/115. We align ourselves with the statement made by the observer of the European Union and would like to thank the delegation of the State of Palestine for submitting the draft on behalf of the Group of 77 (see A/74/PV.48). We are in full agreement with the importance of strengthening international cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters and particularly support efforts to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of extreme weather events through an anticipatory approach. Pre-prepared funding and action can help to ensure that responses are timely and effective. For those reasons, Italy joined the consensus on the resolution. With regard to the thirteenth preambular paragraph, we would like to stress that our support for the resolution does not change Italy’s position on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

We would first like to thank our colleagues from the European Union for their work on ensuring an agreement on resolution 74/116, on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, and for their efforts to secure a consensus on that resolution. For that reason we did not attempt to prevent its adoption. However, we would like to express our opposition to the resolution’s twenty-ninth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 7, on the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Russian Federation is not questioning the importance of measures for holding violators of international law to account. However, we do not agree with the assessment set out in resolution 74/116, which concerns the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, regarding the International Criminal Court and its Statute. We have expressed our position on them many times, and unfortunately during the past year we have seen only new reasons for maintaining that position. We understand the desire of States to combat the most serious crimes according to international law, and the principled political position of European States with regard to the paragraph in question. Nonetheless, we believe that right now the ICC cannot be considered an appropriate instrument for achieving those aims. In that connection, we dissociate ourselves from the resolution’s twenty-ninth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 7. We ask that that position be reflected in the official records.

In a spirit of consensus and of emphasizing the vital role of the United Nations in providing humanitarian assistance to those in need, Saudi Arabia joined the consensus on resolution 74/116, entitled “Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel”, and welcomes its adoption. However, my country would like to dissociate itself from the resolution’s twenty-ninth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 7, and to express its reservations about the references in them to the International Criminal Court and its Rome Statute.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 71?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 71 and its sub-items (a) to (c).