Presentation of the Humanitarian Omnibus Resolution in the United Nations General Assembly, by Ambassador Andreas von Uexkull, Deputy Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations, 8 December 2023, New York
Mr. President,
First, I would like to note that Sweden, after the introduction of the omnibus resolution, will also deliver a statement together with India, and also fully aligns itself with the statement that will be made by Maciej Popowski, Director-General of DG ECHO, on behalf of the European Union.
Today, it is my great privilege to introduce to the General Assembly, on behalf of 81 co-sponsors, this year’s draft resolution on the “Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations” contained in document A/78/L.20 – the so-called “Humanitarian Omnibus resolution.”
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the landmark resolution 46/182, adopted in December 1991, which laid the foundations of today’s UN humanitarian system. Sweden has been honoured to facilitate the negotiations of this annual resolution ever since.
The goal of our collective efforts remains the same as in 1991: to effectively assist women and men, girls and boys, affected by crisis. We remain convinced that principled humanitarian assistance is the best way to achieve this.
The consultations were marked by a very constructive spirit, which enabled us to reach an agreement on the text as a whole. This is a mature resolution, the core elements of which enjoy broad support from Member States. This year’s resolution includes important strengthened language on humanitarian access, respect for international humanitarian law, food security, as well as on the need to narrow the humanitarian funding gap. I would like to thank all delegations for their engagement and willingness to compromise, making these important achievements possible.
I also want to extend our sincere gratitude to OCHA and the technical support staff who made great efforts to ensure a smooth process.
Mr. President,
We strongly encourage adoption by consensus today. Moreover, we invite all Member States who have not already done so, to co-sponsor the resolution (when action is taken later today).
In closing, let me say that by adopting this resolution we, as Member States of the United Nations, must hold ourselves accountable by translating the words of the resolution into concrete action to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity across the globe.
Thank you.