Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Chumakov at High-level Pledging Event to Support the Humanitarian Response in the Horn of Africa

Mr. Moderator,

We cannot but share all concerns that have been outlined today by the Secretary-General with regard to the dire humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. Cascading effects of adverse impacts of climate change, armed conflict, including recent one in neighboring Sudan, terrorism – all play their part in the current regional crisis.

Needless to say, that countries in question need substantive financial support from the international community, taking into account the most sever and protracted drought in decades across the Horn of Africa. While speaking of donors support one should not think only about urgent humanitarian aid but rather about efficient development assistance to provide the countries with required tools for building, in the short possible run, self-reliance for the benefits of their own people. 

We strongly believe that success of international aid roots in development in principle, and everything should be done to address the national priorities of the countries on the agenda today, including to assist with developing national plans on climate adaptation and mitigation.

On our side we do our part in the provision of humanitarian assistance, both bilaterally and through UN agencies, programs and funds, mainly by providing food assistance through WFP or, for example, by having funded a project through FAO to combat the largest desert locust outbreak in several African countries in decades.

In the framework of ongoing work on donating Russian fertilizers which are blocked in ports of the EU countries, finally another batch of 34 000 tons of fertilizers is on its way now to the port of Mombasa in Kenya.

Thank you.

 

Video of the statement