Presentation of the Humanitarian Omnibus Resolution in the General Assembly

Mr. President,

First, I would like to note that Sweden, later this morning, will join the statement to be delivered by India, and also fully aligns itself with the statement that will be made by Czechia on behalf of the European Union.

Today, it is my great privilege to introduce to the General Assembly, on behalf of 78 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/77/L.30 – the so-called “Humanitarian Omnibus resolution.”

This year marks the 31st 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 resolutions presented for by the General Assembly today provide the humanitarian community with the framework it needs to provide such assistance.

Following the two previous sessions of virtual negotiations resulting in a series of technical updates, we were delighted this year to conduct in-person consultations on the omnibus resolution. The consultations were marked by a very constructive spirit on the part of participating delegations, 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 (updated) language on, inter alia: climate change; cash assistance; safety and security of humanitarian personnel; the need to narrow the humanitarian funding gap and strengthen partnership with international financial institutions; and accountability to affected populations. I would like to thank all delegations for their constructive 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,

The draft resolution before the General Assembly was agreed in its entirety during the informal consultations and we strongly encourage its adoption by consensus. 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.