High-level Pledging Event to Support the Humanitarian Response in the Horn of Africa

Thank you chair. I would like to thank the United Nations, the Governments of Italy, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United States in collaboration with the Governments of Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia for convening this important event.

Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa. Overlapping crises from multiple shocks, notably conflict and prolonged drought have resulted in severe humanitarian needs in the region, and our thoughts are with the communities that have been so severely impacted.

New Zealand will continue our support for the humanitarian response. In 2023 we are providing total contributions of $7.75 million New Zealand dollars across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, which is approximately $4.7 million USD.

Our partners for this support include the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Food Programme, the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund, and New Zealand NGOs.

New Zealand calls on all parties to ensure humanitarian access so that humanitarian organisations can safely deliver principled protection and assistance to those in need.

We further call on relevant authorities and partners to ensure that humanitarian assistance can be delivered in accordance with international humanitarian law and the humanitarian principles.

We thank and acknowledge all humanitarian organisations that continue to provide such vital humanitarian support in the region. We ask you to continue your important efforts towards inclusive and locally led humanitarian action.

I thank you.