International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development A/RES/67/231 Framework for Action and to adopt a framework for disaster risk reduction beyond 2015, Emphasizing the fundamentally civilian character of humanitarian assistance, 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, 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 excessively 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, 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, Recognizing the high numbers of persons affected by natural disasters, including in this respect internally displaced persons, and the need to address the humanitarian and development needs arising from internal displacement throughout the world owing to natural disasters, and encouraging all relevant actors to consider making use of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement 4 when dealing with situations of internal displacement, Reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in support of the efforts of the affected States in dealing with natural disasters in all their phases, in particular in preparedness, response and the early recovery phase, and of strengthening the response capacity of countries affected by disaster, _______________ 4 2/8 E/CN.4/1998/53/Add.2, annex.