International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in
the field of natural disasters, from relief to development
A/RES/69/243
Noting the determination of the Conference of the Parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as expressed in its
decision 2/CP.18, 4 to adopt a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed
outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all parties at its
twenty-first session, due to be held in Paris from 30 November to 11 December
2015, and for it to come into effect and be implemented from 2020,
Emphasizing the fundamentally civilian character of humanitarian assistance,
and reaffirming, in situations in which military capacity and assets are used as a last
resort to support the implementation of humanitarian assistance in the field of
natural disasters, the need for their use to be undertaken with the consent of the
affected State and in conformity with international law, including international
humanitarian law, as well as humanitarian principles,
Emphasizing also that the affected State has the primary responsibility in the
initiation, organization, coordination and implementation of humanitarian assistance
within its territory and in the facilitation of the work of humanitarian organizations
in mitigating the consequences of natural disasters,
Emphasizing further the primary responsibility of each State to undertake
disaster risk reduction and management, including through the implementation of
and follow-up to the Hyogo Framework for Action, as well as response and early
recovery efforts, in order to minimize the impact of natural disasters, while
recognizing the importance of international cooperation in support of the efforts of
affected countries which may have limited capacities in this regard,
Expressing its deep concern at the increasing challenges to Member States and
to the United Nations humanitarian response capacity to deal with the consequences
of natural disasters, given the effects of global challenges, including the impact of
climate change, the ongoing adverse impact of the global financial and economic
crisis and the negative impact of volatile food prices on food security and nutrition,
and other key factors that exacerbate the vulnerability of populations and exposure
to natural hazards and the impact of natural disasters,
Expressing its deep concern also that rural and urban poor communities in the
developing world are the hardest hit by the effects of increased disaster risk,
Noting with concern that persons with disabilities, older persons, women and
children are disproportionately affected in natural disasters,
Acknowledging the impacts of rapid urbanization in the context of natural
disasters and that urban disaster preparedness and responses require appropriate
disaster risk reduction strategies, including in urban planning, and early recovery
strategies implemented from the initial stage of relief operations, as well as
mitigation, rehabilitation and sustainable development strategies,
Noting that local communities are the first responders in most disasters,
underlining the critical role played by in-country capacities in disaster risk
reduction, including preparedness, as well as response and recovery, and
acknowledging the need to support efforts of Member States to develop and enhance
national and local capacities which are fundamental to improving the overall
delivery of humanitarian assistance,
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2/10
See FCCC/CP/2012/8/Add.1.