EU Statement: ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment General Debate
Mister Vice-President,
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia, as well as, Andorra, align themselves with this statement.
Since 1998, we have come together during the Humanitarian Affairs Segment to renew our commitment to strengthening the coordination of the UN system, in order to respond to humanitarian needs across the world. Despite this, over the past 25 years we have seen conflicts proliferate, disasters increase in frequency and intensity, and the operating space of humanitarian actors become ever more challenging.
In the face of such challenges, we thank and commend the UN and its partners for their continued dedication to delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance. We also reiterate our commitment to supporting the humanitarian system, so that we can continue to meet the needs of those affected by humanitarian crises.
Mister Vice-President,
In my statement today, I would like to highlight three elements, which we believe are central to maintaining and improving the prioritisation, efficiency and effectiveness of the UN humanitarian system: (1) first, international humanitarian law must be upheld; (2) second, humanitarian and medical workers must be protected; and (3) there must be adequate and quality funding for the humanitarian system. The EU and its Member States have been at the forefront in addressing these elements, and we will remain so in the future.
First, as we mark the 75th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions this year, it is imperative that we ensure respect for this fundamental and universal legal framework. We call upon all States parties to the Geneva Conventions that have not done so to consider becoming parties to the Additional Protocols, at the earliest possible date. To effectively protect civilians and reduce humanitarian needs in armed conflict, all principles of IHL must be fully complied with, including distinction, proportionality and precaution.
We must oppose interpretations that limit the application and restrict the scope of the protections provided by international humanitarian law. States should implement, and, where necessary, review, develop or improve national policy and practice with regard to the protection of civilians during armed conflict involving the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
It is essential to ensure accountability for international crimes and violations of international law wherever conflicts occur. The EU remains steadfast in its support for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court as pillars of the international justice system.. To foster a culture of compliance, the EU will continue to use its network of dialogues and contacts with third countries and other international actors to promote respect for IHL.
Second, to ensure effective humanitarian responses, humanitarian workers must be able to reach those in need, and they must be able to do so safely, effectively and in a timely manner.
Parties to conflict have an obligation under IHL to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. As with all civilians, direct attacks on humanitarian workers are prohibited by IHL. In 2023, 235 humanitarian workers were killed in the line of duty, with the overwhelming majority of these being national or locally recruited humanitarian workers. This is unacceptable. Such actions represent an attack on the entire humanitarian system. As penholder of the annual UN General Assembly resolution on the “Safety and Security of Humanitarian Personnel and the Protection of UN Personnel”, the EU will continue to strengthen the elements of protection in 2024. We also welcome and are committed to support the implementation of the recently adopted Security Council Resolution 2730.
Third, in prevailing situations of fragility humanitarian needs continue to rise exponentially, while funding falls short and cannot keep up. We have to rise up to the challenge and address the long-standing issues of the humanitarian funding gap through novel and more creative ways, including by optimising the use of available resources, and stepping up quality funding with flexible and multi-annual funding to promote effective responses. Additionally, we must expand the donor base and work on reducing needs by building societal resilience and reinforced collaboration with development and peace actors, through a nexus approach.
Furthermore, the EU emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of humanitarian crises, including poverty, conflict, inequality, and the adverse impacts of climate change. By strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, we aim to create sustainable solutions that not only respond to immediate needs but also build long-term resilience in affected communities. This approach can be seen, for example, in finding durable solutions to internal displacement, as discussed in the ECOSOC Transition Event.
Equally important, local and national actors play a crucial role in facilitating efficient humanitarian action. Supporting locally-led efforts, especially by promoting the participation, leadership and empowerment of women-led organisations is a vital element of this. It is essential to continue supporting local leadership and capacity building, as highlighted by the Grand Bargain commitment to direct at least 25 percent of humanitarian funds to local and national actors.
The EU is doing its part. In line with the European Council Conclusions of 22 May 2023, we continue focusing on promoting – both inside the EU and beyond – a voluntary target to devote ten percent of Official Development Assistance to humanitarian action. But others should follow suit and step up, by contributing to the global humanitarian system at a scale commensurate with their economic capacities.
In conclusion, responding to the growing number and complexity of crises around the world requires all of us to take responsibility for those in need.
Thank you.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.