Humanitarian Resolution Adopted

Last week ECOSOC adopted by consensus a resolution on strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations

ECOSOC:s Humanitarian Affairs Segment that took place last week is an important fora where the UN member states and humanitarian organizations discuss challenges, possibilities and activities in relation to the strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian aid.

The aim of the EU under Swedish Presidency was to reach consensus on the resolution which entailed clear messages concerning humanitarian access, staff security and strengthened coordination.

In the resolution adopted July 21 the Council calls upon all States and parties to comply fully with the provisions of international humanitarian law. The Council further urges Member States to continue to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, premises, facilities, equipment, vehicles and supplies, as well as to continue to prevent, investigate and prosecute acts of gender-based violence, including sexual violence in humanitarian emergencies. It stresses the importance of developing the coordination mechanisms on country level (the so called cluster approach) and the strengthening of the Humanitarian Coordinators. The work related to the Global Platform concerning disaster risk reduction is further welcomed.

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