United Nations Economic and Social Council: Humanitarian Affairs Segment

Statement delivered by Adviser, Mr. Ben Schaare

Mr. President, Excellencies, Colleagues,

New Zealand is pleased to participate in ECOSOC's Humanitarian Affairs Segment.

We particularly thank the delegates from Croatia and the Dominican Republic for their skilled facilitation of the HAS resolution. New Zealand considers that the resolution made progress because of their leadership.

We also extend our gratitude to OCHA for their tireless support to the negotiations.

As we said last year, New Zealand is deeply concerned by the steep rises in humanitarian needs across the globe. Ever-growing needs are placing further strain on a stretched humanitarian system.

New Zealand commends Croatia for this year's HAS theme, which is highly relevant.

The intensifying of conflict, violence and displacement is compounded by the worsening consequences of climate change, a backdrop of global economic challenges, and concerning evidence of a lack of respect for international law, including international humanitarian law.

In our own region, the Pacific, we see first-hand how climate change is both requiring and exacerbating humanitarian responses. Until the drivers of climate change are addressed, intensified natural hazards will cause increased destruction and loss of life and livelihoods.

For climate related events, evidence strongly indicates that anticipatory action can save lives and make responses more efficient. We are therefore encouraged to see anticipatory models being rolled out around the world.

It is undeniable that escalating conflict is driving greater needs. New Zealand is deeply troubled to see mounting evidence of a lack of respect for international humanitarian law in numerous contexts.
Civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarians must be protected. In line with resolution 2286, hospitals, medical facilities and medical workers must also be protected. Safe, rapid, and unhindered access for humanitarians and humanitarian assistance must be provided. Bureaucratic and administrative impediments to the provision of assistance are unacceptable.

Yet, international law is only as strong as countries' support for it. States must be willing to strengthen and support the international judicial institutions that uphold these rules.

As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, we call on all signatories - that is, all Member States - to reaffirm their commitment to international humanitarian law, not just through their words, but through their actions.

Mr President, despite the progress Member States made on the resolution this year, New Zealand considers that it could go further on gender-responsive humanitarian action, and the nexus between humanitarian action, development and peacebuilding. We will continue to push these areas forward in this resolution in coming years, for the simple reason that, in our experience, they are essential to effective humanitarian action.

Gender-responsive humanitarian action, including through the participation of women-led and women's rights organisations and affected populations, is a focus of New Zealand's humanitarian engagement. We reiterate the importance of reliable and safe access to sexual and reproductive health services in emergencies. We are committed to defending these hard-won rights.

We will also continue to push for adherence to international humanitarian law.

New Zealand understands that effective responses require global solidarity and international cooperation, and we are committed to playing our part.

We continue to provide multi-year and flexible funding to international humanitarian partners, complemented by earmarked contributions to specific crises and longer-term preparedness investments in our region.

New Zealand funding to support humanitarian action have been increasing in recent years, and we expect this trend to continue.

Finally, New Zealand notes with deep thanks the work of outgoing Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths.

We applaud the principled and courageous work of United Nations staff and all humanitarians in this challenging and increasingly dangerous environment.

New Zealand is proud to play our part in the global humanitarian system, and to stand up for action that saves lives all over the world.

Thank you.

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