A UNITED NATIONS General Assembly Distr. GENERAL A/RES/51/185 11 February 1997 Fifty-first session Agenda item 97 (f) RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY [on the report of the Second Committee (A/51/605/Add.6)] 51/185. International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 44/236 of 22 December 1989, 48/188 of 21 December 1993, 49/22 A of 2 December 1994, 49/22 B of 20 December 1994 and 50/117 A and B of 20 December 1995, and Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/45 of 26 July 1996, Expressing its solidarity with the people and countries that suffer as a result of natural disasters and expressing also the deepest sympathy to all victims of the natural disasters that have struck in various parts of the globe, Emphasizing once again the urgent need for concrete measures to reduce the vulnerability of societies to natural hazards, the loss of human lives and the heavy physical and economic damage that occur as a result of natural disasters, in particular in developing countries, small island developing States and landlocked countries, Commending those countries, national and local institutions, organizations and associations that have adopted policies, allocated resources and initiated action programmes, including international assistance, for disaster reduction and, in this context, welcoming the participation of private companies and individuals, 1. 1 Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;1 A/51/186-E/1996/80. 97-76735 /...