United Nations General Assembly A/RES/57/149 Distr.: General 27 February 2003 Fifty-seventh session Agenda item 21 (b) Resolution adopted by the General Assembly [without reference to a Main Committee (A/57/L.57 and Add.1)] 57/149. Emergency humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia The General Assembly, Noting with concern the recurrent drought that affects Ethiopia, and its consequences, Recalling the initiative of the Secretary-General of 13 September 2000 to improve food security in the Horn of Africa over the long term, Gravely concerned at the magnitude of the current drought, which may affect up to fifteen million people owing to the serious crop failures in drought-prone parts of the country that have weak infrastructures and low development capacities, Bearing in mind the 2003 appeal for emergency assistance for Ethiopia, launched on 6 December 2002 by the United Nations and the Government of Ethiopia, to respond to the looming famine situation and to prevent the imminent humanitarian crisis, Noting with serious concern the dire humanitarian situation and its long-term socio-economic and environmental impact, Emphasizing the need to address the crisis bearing in mind the importance of the transition from relief to development, and acknowledging the underlying structural causes for the recurrent famine in Ethiopia, Recognizing that the main responsibility for improving the humanitarian situation and creating conditions for long-term development lies with the Government of Ethiopia, while bearing in mind the important role played by the international community, 1. Calls upon the international community to urgently and effectively respond to the unfolding and imminent humanitarian crisis, which may affect up to fifteen million people in the country, consisting of crop producers and pastoralists; 2. Welcomes the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia, the international community and civil society, including non-governmental organizations, to strengthen mechanisms already in place to respond to such emergency situations; 3. Also welcomes the initiative of the Secretary-General to tackle the recurrent drought in the country on a long-term basis, and in this regard calls for its serious consideration by the relevant organizations; 02 54803