Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Tena koutou katoa,
Greetings to you all,
Mister President,
In Aotearoa New Zealand’s 2021 humanitarian debate statement, we highlighted our concerns about the rise in global humanitarian need, the toll that conflict was having on civilians, and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law.
In the twelve months since, the humanitarian environment has changed in many significant ways, but sadly not for the better.
Demand for humanitarian assistance has soared, driven by a lack of political will to prevent and end armed conflict, as well as the compounding effects of COVID and climate change.
With this in mind, I would like to start by recognizing humanitarian actors working in high risk environments, delivering aid and support to those in need. In a context of ever-increasing need, these actors are under immense pressure to do more and largely without the corresponding increase in funding.
Ensuring these actors can carry out their work safely, and without hindrance or obstruction is essential.
Last year, we highlighted our concerns about food insecurity. This year, the world is facing a pressing global food crisis in which the impacts of protracted conflict, climate change and rising daily costs are forcing families to take desperate measures to put food on the table. Parts of the world face the risk of famine.
The warnings are clear: unless we can forge political solutions, next year food supplies could be tighter. However, the Black Sea Grain Initiative – extended in November - is an example of what can be achieved when diplomatic channels remain open, and solutions are found through talking rather than fighting. We commend the United Nations, the Secretary-General, and all other parties involved in this initiative.
In ongoing armed conflicts, we see devastating impacts from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Recently, we have seen civilians and civilian infrastructure be the target of warfare. The impact on civilian life will be felt for years to come.
New Zealand continues to advocate for women and girls in all their diversity. Reports of sexual violations against women, girls and children in conflict is deplorable. We stress that their sexual and reproductive rights must be upheld in all contexts. Without this, gender equality and women’s empowerment simply cannot be achieved.
Climate change also continues to drive and magnify humanitarian need.
As an island nation in and of the Pacific, Aotearoa New Zealand is acutely aware of the threat of climate change. For the Pacific region, the impacts of climate change continue to be felt. From rising seas, to the increased intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. We look forward to ambitious dialogue on climate change when the Sendai Framework undergoes its midterm review next year.
We welcome progress on the inclusion of climate change in humanitarian resolutions. We must be measured by how we both tackle the root causes of climate change and how we adapt and respond to its adverse effects. Anticipatory action and emergency preparedness are extremely valuable in reducing the impact of disasters.
The global humanitarian outlook for 2023 is bleak, with the number of people in need of life-saving assistance set to rise once more. The humanitarian system must be agile and able to evolve, to strengthen effectiveness – and importantly – deliver for people in vulnerable situations. We owe it those living out the consequences of conflict and climate change to collectively deliver on our shared commitment to humanity and to sustainable peace.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.