2026 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment - Economic and Social Council, 32nd Plenary Meeting

Excellencies. Excellencies. Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I call to order the 32nd meeting of the Economic and Social Council At the series of meetings on humanitarian affairs in its 2026 session, I now invite the council to continue its consideration of agenda item 9, which is special economic humanitarian and disaster relief assistance. The council will resume and conclude its general discussion of agenda item 9 before calling on the first speaker, Please. Stay silent, please. Remain silent, please. Kindly. I would like to ask delegations to please adhere to the agreed time limit of 4 minutes per statement by individual delegations. To help speakers in managing their time, a countdown clock will be projected on the screen. In case speakers exceed their time limit, the microphone will be automatically deactivated. I apologize in advance if speakers are cut off. This measure is being taken to ensure that all speakers can deliver their statement in the limited time available. So we will begin with the list of speakers. Please speak relatively slowly so that interpreters can properly do their job. I give the floor to the distinguished— Representative of Austria.

Thank you, Mr. President. Dear Hector, good morning, everybody. Let me begin by expressing my— my and our sincere gratitude to Spain for chairing this year's ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment. It's an important duty, and we'll contribute by a short statement. Austria aligns itself with the statement held by the European Union. Mr. President, while millions of people worldwide suffer from armed conflicts, environmental disasters, and forced displacement, we see an alarming degree of shrinking of the humanitarian space, and budgetary pressures everywhere reduce the international community's capacity to respond. Austria sees three focus areas. First, protection of civilians and respect for international law. In conflicts worldwide, it is the civilian population who suffers most. The lack of access to water, food, medical assistance, protection, education, and sanitation hurts children, men, and women, during conflicts, often with lifelong irreversible consequences. Civilians need our protection. This is not just our humanitarian duty and conviction, but it's a requirement of international law. While we're currently enjoying summer temperatures here— or not enjoying— here in New York, people in Ukraine are already preparing for the next winter amid continuous attacks in Russia's war of aggression. But let me be clear: attacks on the civilian population infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law everywhere and by everyone. We also firmly support the Global IHL Initiative in this regard. Second, the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. 2025 was one of the deadliest recorded years for humanitarian personnel. More than 326 humanitarian workers were killed. Many more were injured, harassed, verbally or sexually abused. Some of the most dangerous working environments for humanitarian personnel and medical staff include Sudan and the Middle East. Also, arbitrary detentions and kidnappings, such as in Yemen, have to stop. We condemn all these illegal acts and call for the immediate and conditional and safe release of all humanitarian workers. Austria is a signatory of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, championed by Australia, as a sign of our commitment. And third, reforming the UN system. Austria supports the ongoing UN AT Initiative, and in this context, we welcome the leadership of USG Tom Fletcher and the Humanitarian Reset to strengthen the efficiency, accountability, and impact of the humanitarian system. We believe that the increased allocation of financial resources to local actors via country-based pooled funds and the strengthening of the role of humanitarian coordinators represent a step in the right direction. Austria is not only a political but of course also a financial supporter of this, including in responding to concrete flash appeals, as recently for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as by supporters supporting the CERF, which helped recently DRC, Mozambique, or Cuba, to name some examples. Mr. President, as an incoming member of the Security Council, we're going to continue to champion the protection of civilians as one of our priorities, and I thank you all.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative Prime Minister Hariri of Lebanon.

Mr. President, Lebanon associates itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Mr. President, we have heard about millions of individuals requiring humanitarian assistance in all parts of the globe, and about suffering that is too heavy and too great to be comprehended. We hear about millions, and we sometimes forget to think how about— how 1 million is made up of different individuals. But it is our duty to be acutely aware of the suffering that we sometimes talk about in bulk. Mr. President, when war erupts, when a natural disaster strikes, or when a community is suddenly pushed into survival mode, Everything beyond immediate danger can appear secondary. But life does not stop. Pregnancies continue. Families still need food, water, and medicine. Women and girls still face the risk of exploitation and violence. Humanitarian workers still need protection. In times of armed conflict, there is a clear legal framework in place. International humanitarian law establishes obligations, not aspirations, that are binding on all parties to armed conflict for the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian relief. Human rights laws also do not cease to apply. 2024 and 2025 have been the deadliest years on record for humanitarian workers. Who in many occasions were attacked while trying to retrieve the bodies of their colleagues. Gaza and Lebanon stand as a tragic testament, where bodies are still under the rubble as we speak. Mr. President, humanitarian assistance should not be viewed solely through a humanitarian lens. By alleviating suffering and preventing further deterioration of crises, Humanitarian action contributes to stability and helps create conditions conducive to recovery and lasting peace. Since the escalation of hostilities and the intensification of the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, 3,800 people have been killed and more than 12,000 have been injured. The south of our country is under illegal occupation. Many roads and bridges have been bombed and destroyed, severely cutting off access to our people. Over 1 million remain displaced, out of which 52% are women and girls. Humanitarian relief is beyond vital. The Flash Appeal for Lebanon was extended last week, bringing our overall ask throughout August 2026 to $639 million. This funding is urgently needed. However, less than one-third of the said appeal has been funded. But beyond the current relief needs, around 1.24 million people are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity. Food assistance remains essential, but the day after requires more support to farmers, restoration of livelihoods, and measures that that protect people from falling permanently into poverty. Mr. President, humanitarian access remains of paramount importance, ensuring safe and unhindered access, including safe passage for civilians fleeing hostilities, as well as the ability of humanitarian actors to reach hard-to-access and frontline areas. In moments of crisis, time can seem suspended, but it is not. This is why our responsibility is twofold: to respond with urgency and foresight in order to both save lives today and preserve livelihoods tomorrow.

I thank the distinguished representative of Lebanon, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein.

Thank you so much for the floor, Mr. President. Mr. President, we meet at a moment of profound humanitarian need. An escalating climate crisis coupled with a record number of armed conflicts has driven demand for assistance to unprecedented levels. Nearly 250 million people depend on humanitarian assistance, yet this year's Global Humanitarian Appeal is the worst funded in a decade. With fewer resources available than 10 years ago, the humanitarian system is urged to respond to crises that are bigger, more complex, and more demanding than ever before. The humanitarian reset in the framework of the UN Haiti Initiative is a helpful and necessary tool in this respect. We are grateful to Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Fletcher for his leadership in advancing this agenda. As a president, we support stronger cooperation in humanitarian responses. Bringing services together can make them far easier to reach people in need. And we are grateful for the efforts in advancing interagency data interoperability. It is commendable that the WFP's Building Block Initiative successfully aligned data systems and prevented the loss of $288 million USD in unintended assistance. We're also grateful for the humanitarian reset commitment by OCHA and UNHCR to bring the cluster and refugee coordination models closer together towards a single approach. Technology can also help to achieve this goal. If used responsibly, AI tools can help the humanitarian community to improve crisis response through better data collection and analysis. Liechtenstein has a strong tradition of international solidarity, and we are a proud contributor to CERF. The CERF offers us the opportunity to implement their emphasis on flexible funding and forgotten crisis and conflict. but our commitments must go beyond financial contributions. This is the case at a time when respect for IHL is being eroded. We are particularly concerned by the increase in attacks against humanitarian and medical personnel. Humanitarian workers must be able to operate free from threats, violence, and even attacks which are punishable offenses under international criminal law. Compliance is not optional and violations must be met with accountability. In this regard, we wish to highlight in particular the important role of the ICC. Mr. President, we're also deeply concerned by increasing rhetoric that legitimizes IHL violations. This is a dangerous trend. With our support initiatives such as the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL that seeks to overcome political divides and calls for renewed commitment to conflict prevention as outlined in the UN Charter. I thank you so much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.

Thank you, Mr. President. Nepal aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of G77 in China and wishes to add the following in national capacity. We recognize ECOSOC humanitarian affairs segment as an indispensable mechanism of the United Nations system to turn global commitments to coordinated action and delivered assistance to vulnerable populations at scale and speed. Mr. President, the humanitarian system is facing profound pressures at a time when its needs are rising, driven by armed conflicts, climate disasters, economic shocks, and growing mistrust among nations. As the Secretary-General highlighted in his recent report, nearly 240 million people need humanitarian assistance this year alone. However, humanitarian actors are compelled to prioritize only 87 million facing the most severe needs due to resource and operational constraints.

Thank At you, Mr. Secretary-General.

the same time, we are deeply concerned by rising civilian casualties and attacks on humanitarian personnel, including UN peacekeepers, medical facilities, and civilian infrastructure in conflict situations. Nepal calls on all parties to fully comply with the international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and uphold accountability for violations. While remaining firmly committed to the humanitarian principles of humanity, respect, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. We view that these principles are indispensable to ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need without discrimination. Speaking from Nepal's experience, climate change and natural disasters pose increasingly a humanitarian challenge. As a mountainous country in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable and disaster-prone regions, Nepal continues to bear their adverse consequences firsthand. therefore emphasize transformative approaches that integrate humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, climate adaptation, community mobilization, and resilience building. Enhanced international support, including climate finance, investment in early warning and resilient infrastructure, technology transfer, capacity building, and sharing of best practices are therefore essential to supporting our humanitarian and disaster responses. Mr. President, allow me to highlight 5 key messages First, humanitarian assistance must reach people in need rapidly, safely, and without any hindrance. Newer technologies and agile data systems be harnessed responsibly to extend early warning, humanitarian access, and civilian protection. Second, we must extend accountability mechanisms, ensuring universal respect for international law, including IHL and IHL, without selectivity. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, humanitarian personnel, and medical facilities should never become targets of conflict. Third, we must invest more in preparedness, disaster risk reduction, and anticipatory action. Building resilience before crises strike is both a humanitarian necessity and a development imperative. Fourth, putting people and local communities at the heart of humanitarian action is critical. Empowering local responders, including women and youth, with resources, leadership roles, and sustained financing will make assistance more effective, accountable, and sustainable. Finally, growing humanitarian needs require predictable, flexible, and multi— multi-year financing. The international community should scale up support for pooled funds, climate and anticipatory financing, and locally-led action while reducing fragmentation. In closing, Mr. President, in a world facing unprecedented humanitarian challenges, our response must be guided by humanitarian principles, strengthened by robust partnership, and measured by the lives we protect and the resilience we build. Nepal remains committed to working together with Member States and partners to strengthen humanitarian action and to ensure that no one is left behind in times of crisis. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador.

Gracias.

Thank you very much, Vice Chair. We are In a context where there are converging crises that are increasingly complex, armed conflicts that last long, limited humanitarian access, the difficulties in humanitarian assistance, increased disasters, and a significant decrease in available resources for responses, this context has led El Salvador to reiterate that protecting civilian populations must continue being a central element of humanitarian action and collective responsibility of states. The respect for international humanitarian law does not allow— humanitarian law does not allow selectivity. All states and all parties to conflict should fully adhere to their duties. This includes the protection of civilians in civilian infrastructure, facilitating humanitarian access, as well as the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel. We express our concern about the impact of emerging technologies in hostilities, including the use of AI, and also the use of increasingly autonomous weapons. The use of these technologies must be part— must adhere to the limits of international law, preserve significant human control, and furthermore ensure the effective fulfillment of universal principles of distinction, proportionality, necessity, and precaution. The magnitude of humanitarian needs also requires more coordinated, efficient, and evidence-based responses. We recognize the importance of efforts underway to strengthen humanitarian architecture. Simplify processes, reduce duplication, and improve the quality and the impact of assistance. But at a time of reductions and budgetary restrictions, efficiency cannot substitute the duty to respond to the most urgent needs. Priorities should be transparent, fund— have a technical base focused on risk and guided by principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. This requires preserving the essential operations operational capabilities of the humanitarian system, but also strengthen leadership of resident coordinators, ensuring effective coordination with national governments, and furthermore, provide ongoing support to local and national actors who are generally on the front lines. It also requires flexible and predictable financing that is not— that is not excessively conditioned. We also have to strengthen the common funds, particularly the Central Fund for Action in Case of Emergency. In Latin America and the Caribbean, these challenges have a concrete expression. Our region is facing extreme weather, food insecurity, human mobility, and gaps in protection, as well as pressures on essential services, particularly my country, which is located in, The Dry Corridor of Central America recognizes the importance of strengthening disaster risk reduction through preparation, mitigation, early action, and a response to ensure resilience. This is why we must move towards a humanitarian model that is not limited to simply responding to the emergency, but to make sure that we deal with the risks before they become crises. Early action based on information analysis of risk and vulnerability and foreseeable financing allows us to save lives, protect livelihoods, reduce costs, and strengthen national response capabilities. The full version of this statement will be uploaded online, including our vision on the UNAID initiative and the humanitarian reset. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of El Salvador for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. President. First, I would like to sincerely thank the humanitarian workers striving tirelessly to transform countless lives despite facing resources constraints and changing context. According to OCHA's Global Humanitarian Overview 2026, 239 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection amid armed conflicts, climate-related disasters, food insecurity, and forced displacement. International humanitarian law and humanitarian principles are under severe strain, compounding widening gaps between needs and available resources. Against this alarming backdrop, Japan remains committed to providing humanitarian funding despite fiscal constraints and contributing to the targets set out in the G8. Mr. President, UN Haiti and the humanitarian reset are more vital than ever, and we commend USG Fletcher's leadership. As the humanitarian reset advances, it is important to preserve donor flexibility, including for broadening the donor base. Japan intends to continue providing project-based funding, recognizing the complex complementarity of funding types, and looks forward to contributing to the GHO within the reset framework. Japan also welcomes the New Humanitarian Compact as an important step and anticipates concrete and measurable outcomes from its implementation. Public-private partnerships can also play a role in finding creative solutions to close gaps between scale-up and scale-up capacities to deliver on the ground. Mr. President, a comprehensive HDP Nexus approach is urgently needed to strengthen resilience and prevent crises before they escalate, precisely aligned with the humanitarian reset goal of improving efficiency and effectiveness. Humanitarian-development collaboration can reduce risks and vulnerabilities across the short, medium, and long term. In fragile situations, Japan supports refugee self-reliance and provides seamless assistance ranging from humanitarian aid to poverty reduction, economic development, peacebuilding, and conflict— Thank you. Prevention. Furthermore, as a part of the international community's effort to advance human security, an approach that places individuals at the center, Japan has been a longstanding and major contributor to the United Nations Trust Fund of Human Security. Mr. President, the latest Secretary General's report noted more than 37,000 civilian deaths and more than 332 humanitarian workers killed globally in 2025. This troubling trend highlights the urgent need to reinforce respect for international law, including IHL, and to redouble our collective efforts to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel. Japan is actively engaged in this area as a member of the Ministerial Group on the Declaration for Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. Japan also joined the Global IHL Initiative in August 2025, contributing to discussions from the standpoint of promoting compliance with IHL. Mr. President, Japan remains committed to working with the international community to ensure no one in need is left behind and stands ready to deepen partnership for a more effective and human global response. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Mr. President, the State of Palestine aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. I'd like to start my statement with the question raised by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator in his opening remarks, Mr. Fletcher. He said, 'Is help coming?' As we meet here today, a year since the adoption of the UN aid reforms, the humanitarian reset, and 7 months since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, the Palestinian people remain deprived of the most basic services and are struggling with the unprecedented man-made humanitarian crisis. For them, it does not look like help is coming. In the Gaza Strip, they continue to be killed and maimed by daily Israeli airstrikes. Humanitarian aid is still limited and is used as a bargaining chip in a flagrant violation of international law. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Palestinian civilians endure daily settler terror, forced displacement, destruction of homes and properties, confiscation of land, and movement restrictions. For the Palestinians, help means the following: One, a ceasefire in Gaza that ends the killings, not only reduces it, and brings about protection, safety, and security. Two, a predictable and unhindered flow of assistance to ensure access to and restore basic services, including first, and foremost to shelter, medical care, food, sanitation, electricity, water, and education. 3, a halt to settler terror, annexation, and settlement activities, including forced displacement and destruction of properties. 4, the release of the Palestinian tax revenues held by Israel to undermine the operational capacity of the Palestinian government in its response to the needs of the Palestinian people. We must ensure the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803 and work collectively towards the success of the humanitarian pilot in the State of Palestine. We appeal for your generous and flexible funding, including to the Horizon Fund, in support of 4 national government-led recovery and reconstruction. Finally, we must pay tribute to the humanitarian personnel who lost their lives in the world and in Palestine trying to save lives. May their memory be a blessing and may their commitment to humanity never be forgotten. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

I thank the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine and I now give the Mr. Ahmed El-Effraoui, the distinguished representative of Algeria, Vice President of ECOSOC, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. First, my sincere gratitude for your dedicated efforts in preparing the ECOSOC humanitarian affairs segment. Algeria aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and the statement delivered by Sierra Leone on behalf of the 14 African members of ECOSOC. But I would like to emphasize two points. First, respect for international humanitarian law and promotion of accountability. We all have witnessed the increasing rise of violations of IHL in recent years. It should be our duty to continue actively supporting international humanitarian law. And Algeria is actively engaged on this agenda within the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL. Yet, it's not enough. It's not enough because we must continue to denounce violation of IHL. We must end immunity. We must end impunity and ensure the prosecution of violators, whether they are state or individuals, without double standards. What happened in Gaza should not be forgotten. Should never be forgotten. Second, President, the majority of us have stressed the need to evolve from emergency humanitarian relief to long-term resilience through development. Yet no single organization can tackle this challenge alone. Our duty, our efforts must be directed to building more efficient partnership among government. Our duty must be to avoid sterile competition between UN agencies, between non-governmental organizations. Only then will we successfully meet this challenge. To conclude, President, allow me to commend the effort and courage of humanitarian personnel, particularly those who risk their lives every day—every day—in zones of armed conflict. I would like to make special mention of the personnel of UNRWA. My country, Algeria, remains committed with all members of UN— members of member states, with all NGOs and agencies to strengthen international humanitarian law and promoting peace and development worldwide. I thank you. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria and vice president of ECOSOC. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it's an honor to be able to address you at this important and timely event. First, we would like to express express our sincere thanks to Ambassador Héctor Gómez of Spain, Vice President of ECOSOC, for his leadership and dedication. We also recognize the work of OCHA and all of its partners who work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of people affected by humanitarian crises. The Dominican Republic aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 plus China. Sir, we gather today to address an issue of great importance and urgency. Humanitarian crises that affect millions of people around the world have become increasingly complex and protracted. Armed conflicts continue to be one of the main drivers of increasing humanitarian needs. In too many contexts, civilians remain being the most affected by violence, food insecurity, forced displacement, and restrictions on humanitarian access. The Dominican Republic reiterates its call for full— Thank you. Adherence to international humanitarian law. Parties to conflict must uphold their duties, protect civilians, preserve objects indispensable to their survival, and allow the rapid, safe, and unimpeded passage of impartial humanitarian relief. Acute food insecurity remains at alarming levels. In 2025, millions of people faced extreme hunger in context marked by conflict, climate crisis, and economic pressures. The report on hunger hotspots published this week warns that without measures adopted, food insecurity could deepen over the next 6 months. We must strengthen early warnings and invest in anticipatory actions that are fully financed and support responses that protect livelihoods, ensure access to food, water, healthcare, sanitation protection, and address the root causes that continue exacerbating humanitarian needs. The Dominican Republic categorically rejects the use of hunger as a method of warfare, as well as attacks against objects indispensable for the survival of the civilian population. We must act with greater coordination, with the necessary political will to prevent famine and protect civilians.

Thank you.

Sir, humanitarian financing requires urgent action. The lack of resources not only limits response capacity, it also forces the reduction of essential programs that weakens protection services and undermines the ability to act early. This is why it is necessary to move towards more predictable, flexible, and timely financing that enables not only emergency responses, but also anticipating and preventing further deterioration. We also need to work on an integrated approach that reduces needs, risks, and vulnerabilities, recognizing the need to ensure that we prioritize those— prioritize those who are left behind. This involves investing in development-oriented actions, supporting resilience, and strengthening cooperation among humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors. Coordination remains a key element for the success of any humanitarian response. We must continue strengthening cooperation among UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, national and local governments through the implementation of humanitarian— international humanitarian law, and also donors. Only a collaborative approach will allow us to increase the effectiveness of our assistance, avoid duplication, and better response to the real needs on the ground. We would like to highlight the essential work of humanitarian personnel, including local and national staff who continue working in increasingly difficult environments to assist and protect—

the microphone has been cut off. I thank the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic, also vice president of ECOSOC, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. President. My delegation wishes to commend your able leadership in presiding over this segment, which has been an opportunity for constructive engagement with member states and partners. Our collective efforts in global humanitarian response stand at a critical juncture as multiple crises continue to generate immense humanitarian needs, while the financing environment grows increasingly difficult. Facing this reality, we wish to highlight 3 points. First, preventing the entrenchment of humanitarian crisis is key to expanding impact. Humanitarian assistance is most effective when it serves as a bridge, not only providing immediate relief, but enabling resilience building, recovery, and transition into early-stage development. By having progress toward that transition, you can prevent people from falling back into crisis again and again. The transition to development should be considered from the earliest stage of program design, and the RCHC plays a central role in this regard. Emergency response by OCHA, the activities of UN funds and programs, and longer-term development engagement are most powerful when they are closely interlinked. Taking this approach, the Republic of Korea has been implementing humanitarian and conflict and fragile setting project at scale in regions affected by protracted crisis in close collaboration with key UN agencies. Knowledge and data from humanitarian operations are valuable assets that can strengthen development programming. To this end, we broadly support the UNAID initiative and expect concrete results. I also highlight the importance of the HDP nexus. Many crises are rooted in recurring conflict and instability, And addressing the humanitarian, development, and peace dimension together makes a lasting difference. As the ROK has navigated its own path from conflict and fragility to stability and development, we understand that approach firsthand and will work in this line with UN agencies. Second, diversifying humanitarian financing is of growing importance. As public sector funding faces mounting pressure, greater effort to mobilize private resources and explore innovative financing mechanisms will be essential. Effective use of pooled funds and other public financing tools remains a key function of the RC/HTC. It is also increasingly important for them to engage globally operating companies and financial institutions present on the ground. Third, improving humanitarian access is closely connected to enhancing overall effectiveness and impact. Humanitarian diplomacy has a value to this end. UCHA and UN entities, with their extensive network, are well placed to identify and pursue pathways to improved access. Coordinated and sustained interagency efforts are crucial, and where possible and feasible, joint efforts with member states could also be explored. Underlying this effort is one common thread: the obligations of IHL which should be upheld and respected. In closing, the Republic of Korea expresses its utmost respect for humanitarian workers on the ground and reiterates its commitment to working with the UN to ensure that no one in need of humanitarian response is left behind. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues. New Zealand is pleased to participate in ECOSOC's humanitarian affairs segment, and we wish to thank Spain and you, Mr. President, for your leadership. We extend our unwavering gratitude to humanitarians globally for their tireless work in challenging circumstances. We pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the service of humanity, and extend our condolences to those who have lost family members and colleagues. New Zealand considers the number of humanitarian personnel who have been killed and injured to be entirely unacceptable. We urge all member states to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect those serving the most vulnerable. In this regard, New Zealand strongly supports Australia's leadership of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. Thank you. The international community must unequivocally recommit to IHL and to take action to uphold its principles in all settings around the world. For New Zealand, respect for international humanitarian law includes interpreting the law in good faith. We are seriously concerned to see increasing instances of overly permissive interpretations of IHL, or even deliberate misinterpretation of the law, to justify actions. 2026 is the 10-year anniversary of Security Council Resolution 2286 on the protection of healthcare in armed conflict. New Zealand is proud to have co-led that resolution in the Council alongside Spain, Japan, Uruguay, and Egypt. Resolution 2286 was one of the most widely co-sponsored Council resolutions ever. The high level of backing it enjoyed demonstrated the breadth of support for the protection of healthcare workers and the universal sense of abhorrence at attacks targeting them. While we remain proud of this resolution, it is painful to acknowledge that violations of international humanitarian law and attacks on healthcare workers have continued and indeed intensified since then. We must now, at long last, summon the political will to implement the commitments that we have already made. Mr. President, New Zealand commends the Humanitarian Reset and the effort to rethink how the humanitarian system can better serve those in need in a context of resource constraints. However, progress appears uneven. We encourage key humanitarian actors to work together effectively to increase the pace and scale of reform wherever possible.

Thank you.

And to keep Member States informed, including by clearly demonstrating tangible reform progress and outcomes. The cost of not doing so is simply too high. We will be closely monitoring the impact of reforms in our own region, the Pacific. New Zealand has, like many countries here today, made significant investments in the humanitarian system over many years. We expect to await future contributions towards humanitarian agencies that are demonstrably contributing to a more effective, efficient, locally-led, and accountable humanitarian system. And as these reform efforts continue, New Zealand again reaffirms the critical importance of safeguarding IHL and of upholding humanitarian principles. I thank you.

Doola graziya. I thank the distinguished representative of New Zealand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Mr. President, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure must remain at the center of all humanitarian efforts. Unfortunately, recent events have demonstrated the devastating consequences of violations of international humanitarian law and the failure to ensure accountability for such acts. Iran has suffered extensive damage as a result of unprovoked war and military attacks targeting civilian and humanitarian infrastructure. Bridges and transportation networks essential for the movement of people and humanitarian assistance have been damaged. Water desalination and water supply facilities vital for civilian life were attacked. Hospitals, health centers, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, and vaccine production facilities were also affected, undermining access to healthcare and life-saving medicines. Most tragically, educational facilities, including schools attended by young, young children, came under attack. Thousands of innocent civilians, including women, children, have lost their lives, injured, or became disabled. These attacks caused immense human, human suffering in the affected communities. Such actions constitute serious violations of international law and are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity. To address this humanitarian crisis, accountability must be ensured. Those responsible for grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be brought to justice. The end of a conflict, regardless of the circumstances, cannot be and should not be should not mean impunity for its perpetrators. We call upon the international community to strengthen mechanisms for the protection of civilians, safeguard humanitarian and medical infrastructure, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and support the recovery of affected populations. Humanitarian assistance must never be politicized. The international law must be applied consistently and without double standards. Mr. President, in conclusion, addressing today's humanitarian crisis requires systematic cooperation rooted in multilateral frameworks and strict adherence to international humanitarian law. Managing these complex challenges is not a matter of choice. but a collective responsibility to mitigate human suffering. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium.

Thank you, Chair. We align with the statement of the European Union and would like to add a few brief remarks in our national capacity. We are living through a period in which there appears to be no end in sight to the unprecedented challenges facing the humanitarian system. Humanitarian workers are being attacked and killed in record numbers. Humanitarian access is increasingly restricted. Needs continue to rise. Budgets, meanwhile, continue to tumble. In this context, Belgium has heard USG Fletcher call for help, and we will continue to do our part. We have maintained a stable humanitarian budget and we have increased our flexible funding through pooled funds in order to maximize flexibility and impact. Belgium remains firmly committed to providing high-quality, multi-year funding, and we call on others to do the same.

Chair.

Belgium fully supports the humanitarian reset. In the context of mounting needs and constrained resources, a more efficient and effective system is not a choice, it is a necessity if we are to continue delivering hope to those most in need. But let us be clear, the need for reform did not begin with the current funding crisis. Continued improvement is an ethical imperative. The humanitarian reset must continue to address longstanding structural shortcomings such as bureaucracy, fragmentation, duplication, and overly centralized decision-making. And it must deliver genuine change, a system shaped by the voices, priorities, and capacities of the people, communities, and local actors it is meant to serve. This requires a real— sorry, a real shift of power. Humanitarian action must become more locally led, with international actors supporting, not substituting, local leadership. Aid must reflect the priorities of those directly impacted. To get there, stronger UN system-wide coherence will be essential. We must reduce fragmentation, avoid duplication, and cut costly overheads. At the same time, we must enhance local agency, keep protection at the center of humanitarian action, and ensure strong accountability to affected populations. This must go hand in hand with principled humanitarian action firmly grounded in humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. Thank you. Ultimately, this structural transformation must be grounded in the field, bringing us closer to those we serve, not further away. Chair, to conclude, Belgium will continue to support a more effective and more efficient United Nations, not only to improve cost-effectiveness, but above all to deliver better for people around the world. Reforms alone will not solve the budget budgetary crisis, nor should that be their sole objective. We, member states, must meet our financial obligations in full and on time. We continue to stand ready to engage constructively, combining both pragmatism with a principled approach to advance a comprehensive, coherent, and forward-looking reform of the United Nations. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. According to the OCHA Global Humanitarian Overview 2026, more than 240 million people worldwide are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. This alarming figure underscores the urgent necessity of strengthened international solidarity, enhanced cooperation and collective action. Mr. Vice President, Azerbaijan actively contributes to global humanitarian efforts through its cooperation with OCHA and through bilateral assistance provided by its intergovernmental— by its governmental institutions. Since regaining its independence, Azerbaijan has successfully transformed from a recipient of humanitarian aid into a donor country, extending assistance to populations affected by crises and disasters in various parts of the world. At the same time, Azerbaijan continues to confront significant humanitarian challenges resulting from the devastating legacy of the past conflict on its territory. These include approximately 300,000 Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia, over 700,000 IDPs from the formerly occupied territories of Azerbaijan, the widespread destruction left behind in those territories, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate and whereabouts of over 4,000 missing persons. Azerbaijan has launched an unprecedented program of rehabilitation and reconstruction, allocating approximately $15 billion to rebuild cities, towns, and villages destroyed during the conflict. As a result of the measures implemented under the Great Return program. More than 85,000 people have already returned to their homes in newly reconstructed communities. However, these efforts continue to be severely hindered by the extensive presence of landmines and other explosive remnants of war across more than 13% of Azerbaijan's territory. The number of post-conflict mine victims in Azerbaijan has —rising to 427, including 73 fatalities and 354 persons who sustained serious injuries, the overwhelming majority of whom are civilians. Recognizing the scale and severity of this challenge, Azerbaijan has declared humanitarian demining as its 18th national SDG. The magnitude of the landmine threat requires enhanced accountability stronger international solidarity and partnerships, as well as increased support for national demining capacities and efforts. Such collective action is indispensable for facilitating safe return, accelerating recovery and reconstruction, restoring essential infrastructure and services, mitigating the long-term humanitarian consequences of explosive contamination, and— Thank you. Preventing further loss of life and injury. In conclusion, Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to international efforts aimed at delivering effective, timely, and principled humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN and relevant internationally agreed frameworks. We remain convinced that strengthened multilateral cooperation and solidarity are essential to addressing humanitarian needs and ensuring that no one is left behind. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti.

Merci, Monsieur le Président. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Haiti would like to commend the President for convening this segment. It falls at a time when the humanitarian segment is beset by an unprecedented crisis. This year's theme, Access to Transformation and Respect for International Humanitarian Law and Effective Assistance, is particularly relevant for Haiti. Which is a country that is in the front lines of this global challenge. Mr. Vice President, Haiti is beset by insecurity, climate shocks, and socioeconomic vulnerability. This is affecting the very bedrock of existence of the country. In accordance with the concerns expressed by the G7— G77 and China, We think that developing countries shouldn't bear a disproportionate share of the current burden. This requires an urgent response and it calls for a structural transformation of our humanitarian architecture in three ways. First, we need to ensure the humanitarian-development nexus. We need a more just and predictable humanitarian system. That should move to approach that addresses the humanitarian development peace nexus. This means bolstering national capacity, including those of community organizations, in order to ensure financial predictability. This is vital to support our populations beyond immediate emergencies. We're concerned at the underfinancing of the global humanitarian plan of the UN, particularly in Haiti. We thus urge our partners of the international community to act urgently to ensure humanitarian resources for Haiti, a large amount of funding which is needed for this. In terms of respect for international humanitarian law, Haiti endorses what was said about addressing violence against humanitarian workers and essential infrastructure. The protection of humanitarian workers is non-negotiable, and they need safe and untrammeled action. We call for international humanitarian action which is rigorous. The— The rights of such workers have been violated on several occasions this year. There's a context of extreme vulnerability in the humanitarian sector, and this is a matter of human dignity. My third point on national leadership: we need to establish a secure environment in order to guarantee humanitarian access. Here we underscore the critical need to deploy the gang suppression force and to ramp up national efforts to establish order and establish a climate needed for holding elections, and also to allow national and international organizations to provide humanitarian aid and to support the development needed for recovery. Without security, there can be no development. Finally, in terms of international solidarity, the people of Haiti are grateful to the initiatives aiming to address the crisis and improve our living conditions. However, we aspire to solidarity-based partnerships and to shared responsibility. Microphone has been cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Haiti. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Disculpen.

Oh, I'm sorry. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

President, China aligns itself with the statements by Uruguay on behalf of G77 and China and supports the UN's coordinating role in humanitarian assistance. We pay our highest tribute to global humanitarian workers who continue to serve with dedication under harsh and dangerous conditions. We've got 4 points to highlight. First, humanitarian principles must be upheld. We should adhere to the UN Charter and GA Resolution 46/182, uphold the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and observe international humanitarian law. We should respect the sovereignty of affected countries, refrain from interfering in their internal affairs, and avoid politicizing or instrumentalizing humanitarian issues. And humanitarian assistance should not be conditional. Second, humanitarian financing must be sustained. The gap is further widening. We urge donors to fully honor their pledges and scale up their responses. Assistance should be provided without discrimination. We call on the United Nations to ensure a balanced allocation of limited resources and give due attention to severely underfunded and protracted humanitarian crises. Third, humanitarian reform should be advanced constructively. UN agencies should seize the UN Haiti Initiative and humanitarian reset to strengthen coordination, build synergies, and enhance efficiency while remaining faithful to their mandates.

Thank you.

We should heed the voice of the countries affected with stronger engagement with central and local governments to better meet people's needs and improve delivery capacity. Fourth, root causes must be addressed. Underdevelopment is a key driver of humanitarian crises. The international community should better align with the needs of affected countries and better link humanitarian and development assistance. Providing blood transfusion, but more importantly, building self-sustaining capacity.

President.

China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind and has provided support to developing countries in areas such as humanitarian assistance and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. In December 2025, President Xi Jinping announced $100 million in assistance to Palestine. To date, multiple batches of assistance have been delivered, which have been well received by the Palestinian government and people. We call on relevant UN agencies to step up coordination and facilitate the delivery of more assistance as to— so as to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and support the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. This year, China has provided humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, Cuba, Iran, Uganda, the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, among others. In response to the recent Ebola outbreak, China has extended emergency assistance and dispatched an expert medical team to the DRC while also supporting the AU Commission in epidemic control efforts. China will continue to make steady contributions to OCHA and CERF. And— work with the international community to help countries and people in need respond to humanitarian crises. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of China, and I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Croatia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union on behalf of its member states, and I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. As during the previous New York session of the ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment held in 2024 under Croatian chairmanship, our message is clear: respect for international humanitarian law and the fight against impunity are not optional. They are essential for protecting civilians and preserving the rules-based international order. Today, that message is more urgent than ever. Armed conflict has become a defining feature of our time. Across multiple crises, the norms and safeguards established under international humanitarian law are being challenged, eroded, or ignored. Civilians continue to bear the heaviest burden, facing dehumanization, displacement, suffering, and loss. Humanitarian and medical workers are increasingly targeted while operating in dangerous conditions —confronted by access restrictions and severe funding shortages. In our view, growing security challenges must strengthen, not sideline, our humanitarian commitments. Protecting civilians, supporting crisis-affected communities, and upholding international humanitarian law remain collective responsibilities. Croatia continues to match its commitment with concrete action. Between 2016 In 2024, our official development assistance has increased fivefold, while humanitarian aid rose more than 21 times. We also continue to share our experience with partners through support for humanitarian demining, veteran care, war crimes prosecution, and assistance to vulnerable groups, including children. After nearly three decades of sustained effort and more than €1 billion invested, As of 2026, Croatia is now mine-free. At the same time, Croatia strongly supports efforts to make the United Nations more effective and fit for the future through the UN80 Initiative, including the Humanitarian Reset and the New Humanitarian Compact. However, no reform can succeed if violations of international humanitarian law, selective application of norms, and persistent impunity continue unchecked. Mr. President, Croatia— for Croatia, respect for international humanitarian law is not an abstract principle. It is a lived experience, as a country that endured war and aggression, and that continues, 3 decades later, to search for its missing persons. We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the international humanitarian law. Croatia will continue to contribute financially and through knowledge sharing wherever our experience can help protect civilians and save lives. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Croatia. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.

Gracias, President.

Thank you very much.

Mr. Vice President, ASG, I thank you for the sterling organization of this humanitarian segment of ECOSOC. This is a segment where France has 3 main messages. First, it's urgent to act to address humanitarian disasters and to address the gradual erosion of respect for international humanitarian law. This is an imperative, a matter of solidarity and humanity. 239 million people need assistance. In 2025, 2 famines were declared and millions face acute food insecurity. 10 years after the operation of Resolution 2286 by the Security Council, attacks against infrastructure and medical personnel have continued to increase. Civilians are increasingly deliberately targeted. There's indiscriminate use of drones. This is increasing, and it's also increasing the victims among civilians. The ways to act that we have are well known. We need a surge of political will, and therefore France calls for such a surge of political will. We urge all states to respect IHL, to ensure that respect for IHL by parties to armed conflicts is a political priority, and people need to act concretely in that regard. The global initiative launched by the ICRC with 6 states, including France, sets out a credible path toward this goal. We reiterate our call for all states to join it and to participate in the international conference, which will be held in Jordan on December 7th, 2026. We need to redouble our efforts to provide solution— political solutions to conflicts and to prevent those that could erupt. The Security Council resolutions need to be implemented. Fighting serious violations of IHL needs to be strengthened. And global warming, which has sparked many humanitarian crises, must be fought. Second, we have a duty. It is to support and accompany humanitarian systems in conducting ambitious and vital reforms, which we know will be far from painless. France supports the implementation of the new humanitarian compact in the context of the UN80 initiative, which you are carrying out, Mr. USG and the Secretary-General, as well as the humanitarian reset launched by Mr. Tom Fletcher. We call for the humanitarian agencies to be fully involved in these processes, which are beneficial to everyone—donors, humanitarian stakeholders, beneficiaries. France will be doing its part. France will be fully involved in this. We have made the improvement of efficacy and the reduction of costs for humanitarian operations one of the priorities of our presidency in the G7 during the recent summit. France also supports a transition of the humanitarian sector toward development when this is possible and justified, and the work and the discussions of this council are important in this regard. Finally, we need to strengthen the efficacy of the United Nations' work on humanitarian issues. We call for looking for more complementarity among the humanitarian segment of ECOSOC, which is operational in nature, and the work of the AG— the GA, rather. Furthermore, in several months, the 81st GA of the United Nations will start, and we want the negotiation and adoption of humanitarian resolutions to demonstrate global consensus on these issues. Rest assured that France will do its utmost to fulfill these objectives. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Mr. President, our delegation thanks ECOSOC for convening this general debate, alongside the other speakers and delegations who have participated this week, for their valuable contributions to the humanitarian affairs segment. As a sovereign entity that upholds the humanitarian values of neutrality and impartiality, the Sovereign Order of Malta affirms its commitment to serve those in need. We recognize the deep challenges facing the humanitarian system in the current climate of global insecurity and shrinking funding. In 2025, through our relief agency Malteser International, we have provided nearly 6 million people with health support, 1.3 million of whom were women, supporting mental and maternal healthcare. Our staff continue to work across multiple countries, —from supporting mpox treatment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to providing mental health and psychosocial support to those in Ukraine and Bangladesh, to WASH programmes in the Nakivale refugee settlement in Uganda, to mobile clinics supporting refugees and internally displaced people in Lebanon. As an order that upholds the religious freedom of all faiths, we are particularly concerned about the recent attacks in Tyre, in Lebanon,— and the forced evacuation of civilians from the Christian Quarter. Tyre is a city with rich cultural and religious history, and we call on the international community to uphold the Secretary-General's UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites. Additionally, we are concerned about the rise in violent acts against Palestinians in the Holy Land, and echo the calls of the leaders of the Greek Orthodox and the Latin Patriarchate Churches for restraint by all actors. These violent acts and unofficial checkpoints have also impacted our mobile medical clinic based at the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, which has been subject to harassment despite being marked as a humanitarian center. We are also concerned about the impacts funding cuts will have on work in the Holy Land. UNRWA, for instance, sent a letter to our hospital saying that they are no longer able to fulfill a contract, causing an $85,000 shortfall per month. This is a significant blow to a hospital that delivers over 70% of Bethlehem's babies and has seen a 250% increase in the last year in the number of babies required to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit due to poor nutrition and maternal stress. As the international community meets this week, we urge everyone to keep the most vulnerable at the forefront of decision-making, especially women, children, the sick and the elderly, as well as those with disabilities. We are reminded of Pope Leo's words that God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks all of us to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of IFRC and its 191 national societies, we appreciate the discussions this week on principled humanitarian action. And on the challenges faced by communities caught in crises, in particular the calls from member states to support local humanitarian actors and to protect humanitarian and medical workers who are increasingly under attack. Yet calls are not enough. It deserves to be repeated: devastatingly, more than 1,000 humanitarians have been killed in just the past 3 years. This includes over 100 volunteers and staff from national Red Cross Red Crescent societies. Over 95% of those killed have been local humanitarians. This should not be acceptable. As we pass one historic record after another, we must focus on concrete actions. We must ensure that when we meet again next year, we can report that we are not spending our time calling for a halt to killings, injuries, arbitrary detentions, and threats to our teams whilst they provide life-saving support, but discussing progress and accountability. We need your political will and concrete actions to enable us to continue to serve humanity. Mr. Chair, local humanitarian actors continue to serve their own communities and are the first responders. They already undertake the majority of large-scale direct service delivery and are the ones which will stay there during and after every crisis, acting in advance through anticipatory action. As we are seeing now in the DRC, community engagement and trust is critical to stopping the spread of Ebola. Local actors, including the DRC Red Cross, are essential as the most trusted in their communities in reducing risk and prevention. There are, however, growing risks from harmful information, and we've seen attacks on our volunteers in DRC we see in recent days. More predictable, flexible, and direct financing will enable them to better deliver tailored responses and be included in discussions that impact them and their communities. It is critical that local actors are treated as equal partners in delivering humanitarian aid, including from the beginning of decision-making processes, not brought in as an afterthought or only as an implementing partner. Mr. Chair, it's worth unpacking a few terms we've heard this week. We understand the need for member states to prioritize, but hyper-prioritization does not mean lower needs. It means millions of vulnerable people are without the life-saving support they need. Efficiency gains are necessary and being relentlessly pursued, but we must collectively acknowledge that when funding dries up, not only are humanitarians forced into making impossible choices of who to help, but families are pushed to adopt survival strategies that often present additional risk, or mean they must choose themselves, for example, between medicines they depend on, or food for their children. This is being seen today in communities where health posts have closed, food assistance has been cut, and protection services are disappearing. Despite the commitments of support for locally-led action within the humanitarian reset, too often when international organizations close their programs and offices, they do not transfer these to local actors, nor do they transfer the funding to fill the gaps. Mr. Chair, in closing, I'd like to thank you for your leadership of ECOSOC HAS this year and your commitment to ensure the the systematic inclusion of local actors throughout the discussions. Importantly, we take note of member state commitments to continue to uphold their responsibilities and invaluable support to protect principles of humanitarian action, and to stand by and provide financial and diplomatic support to those who deliver vital life-saving support on the ground. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Mr. President, my delegation— Mr. Vice President, we congratulate you, Gomez-Hernández, Vice President of ECOSOC. We thank you for your leadership and your excellent conduct of the work. We thank the Secretariat and the Bureau for their work, too. We also thank the SG for his detailed Thank you for your report. My delegation agrees with it and its recommendations. It lucidly sets out the fact that some 200 million people need urgent assistance, while resources cover only a third of these needs. This is a gap, and it is due to rules being flouted. We can't address these consequences without addressing the root causes. Mr. President, IHL is a legal obligation and it is a moral duty. Yet these rules have been disobeyed. Humanitarian workers have been targeted. And we've seen the most deadly year on record for humanitarian workers. Morocco wants this to stop and for perpetrators to be held to account. The humanitarian system suffer some major vulnerability. This is due to the donor structure. My delegation calls for increasing donors to include other new stakeholders without development being sacrificed. Morocco cautions against any making humanitarian— making humanitarian work into a commodity. We support the work done by Mr. Thomas Fletcher. We need to fully assist member states and to provide it with the adequate financing. President, we're guided by the clear vision of His Majesty King Mohammed. May God assist him. This— our solidarity is shown by the establishment of programs that provide medical services in Africa, the Middle East, and in Asia. And we've also deployed a large number of blue helmets for international peace and security. In the same vein, under the high guidance of His Majesty the King, we've provided assistance in Gaza. We're providing mediation in Sahel. Libya in the Middle East and in the Balkans. And we are providing development for the Sahel, ensured— because we believe there can be no peace without development or development without peace. Morocco is committed to ECOSOC, and we want to hear Africa's voice heard there. In closing, we urge the world community to collectively mobilize to reduce the gap between needs and resources. This means investing in early action. It means addressing development, ensuring risk reduction, and to shore up peace where it is vulnerable. Morocco will continue to do its part to accomplish these collective efforts. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the The FAO.

Mr. President, USG, Excellencies, FAO thanks all the distinguished members for their efforts to bring global attention to the grave levels of acute food insecurity in the world today. Within the reality of a tighter fiscal space and reduced budgets, FAO is focused on demonstrating impact and cost-effectiveness to both people in need and the taxpayers that fund our response. FAO thanks the USG and OCHA for their leadership in advancing a reset that is more locally driven, locally relevant, and impactful for people in the most extreme need. We look forward to radically advancing locally-led decision-making through the upcoming 2027 humanitarian planning cycle. Excellencies, there are 2.5 times more people in acute hunger than 10 years ago. While humanitarian funding has decreased 59% since 2022. To rapidly and at scale change the trajectory of acute hunger, especially of extreme needs, there are 3 things we must do. First, help more people feed themselves. It is far more cost-effective and ultimately what every family in need wants. Over 2/3 of food insecure people live in rural areas. Most are farmers, herders, and fishers. Yet on average, just 5% of humanitarian food security sector funding over the past decade has gone to help them produce food. Emergency agriculture does not just use aid money more efficiently, it multiplies it. Last year, every dollar invested in a farmer's field generated $3 in local food value. Second, act before crises hit. Less than 1% of humanitarian funding goes to anticipatory action, yet every dollar spent before a shock can save up to $7 in response costs. Preventing a crisis is always far less expensive than responding to one. With El Niño emerging, FAO and WFP yesterday launched our first-ever joint appeal for anticipatory action to protect the lives and livelihoods of over 8 million people. And third, tackle root causes. The same 33 countries have appeared in every global report on food crises for 10 years in a row. These are protracted crisis situations that short-term aid cannot solve alone. Sustained multi-year investment in resilience is crucial to break that cycle. Thank you.

Doy lagras.

I thank the distinguished representative of the FAO, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the ILO.

Thank you, Mr. President. At a time of growing crisis and declining resources, we must strengthen the links between humanitarian action, development, and peacebuilding to build resilience and support recovery. For the ILO, this means investing from the outset in people, institutions, and labor markets, while ensuring that humanitarian action and development efforts work hand in hand. Humanitarian assistance is essential to save lives and alleviate suffering. Alongside these efforts, we must also invest in livelihoods, decent work, and social protection to support recovery and resilience. As crises become more protracted and complex, greater attention must be given to supporting livelihoods, promoting access to decent work, expanding social protection coverage, and strengthening, strengthening national institutions so that recovery can begin as early as possible. Humanitarian, development, and peace efforts should be mutually reinforcing from the earliest stages of a crisis, helping to address immediate needs while laying the foundations for sustainable recovery and social cohesion. People affected by conflict, displacement, economic shocks, and climate-related disasters consistently tell us that they want opportunities to work, earn an income, and support their families and contribute to their communities. This is why decent work should be recognized as a central pillar of recovery and resilience. Through Recommendation No. 205 on employment and decent work for peace and resilience, the ILO promotes approaches that connect emergency interventions with longer-term development outcomes. Employment creation, sustainable enterprises, process, skills development, social protection, and social dialogue help bridge the gap between short-term relief and sustainable recovery. To accelerate this transition, three priorities stand out. First, we need greater investment in national systems. Governments, local institutions, employers, and workers' organizations must be at the center of recovery efforts. Second, we need financing that bridges relief and development objectives. Resilience requires sustained investments in decent work, skills, social protection, and sustainable enterprises. Third, recovery efforts must be inclusive. Women, young people, persons with disabilities, displaced populations, and workers in the informal economy must have access to opportunities and a voice in shaping recovery. Ultimately, success is measured by whether people can rebuild their lives with dignity where the communities become more resilient and where the institutions emerge stronger. Since its creation in the aftermath of the First World War, the ILO has worked from a simple premise that lasting peace and resilience are built on social justice. That principle remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago. It is noteworthy that the Doha Political Declaration of the Second World Summit for Social Development reaffirms that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the ILO. To end this round of statements, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Nations Population Fund.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Let me begin by noting what so many other colleagues and distinguished delegates have noted this week. That we're facing a moment of surging humanitarian needs and shrinking resources to meet them. At the same time, we continue to face a global protection crisis marked by rising attacks on civilians, aid workers, health facilities, including maternity wards and women and girls' safe spaces. We've heard this week about threats to international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Today we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. This year alone, UNFPA estimates that 84 million people need gender-based violence prevention and response services. Women and adolescent girls are increasingly exposed to conflict-related sexual violence amid growing displacement, family separations, weakened protection systems, and the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war. In the response, this means ensuring that life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare and specialized gender-based violence services are prioritized from the outset of every humanitarian response, as the life-saving services they are. Thank you. Ensuring continuity of these services during crises and reaching those who need them most for the central commodities and assistance requires, amongst other things, robust partnerships with local and national actors. Collectively, we must ensure they're able to access predictable, flexible humanitarian funding. UNFPA is very proud that almost 40% of its funding in humanitarian settings goes through local and women-led groups. Pregnancy does not stop during conflict or disease outbreaks. Currently, the Ebola outbreak is driving a second, quieter crisis. Pregnant women afraid of infection are staying home to give birth, with potentially fatal consequences. We already know that over 60% of preventable maternal deaths occur in fragile settings. This year, 7.8 pregnant women will require humanitarian assistance, which is why it's so important that maternal and newborn deaths and healthcare services— sorry, that maternal and newborn healthcare is prioritized in humanitarian responses. Mr. President, across crises, one lesson is clear: the services required by women, girls, and young people are not secondary concerns. They are life-saving interventions that must be available from the very outset of every emergency. UNFPA remains unwavering in its commitment to deliver life-saving services for women and girls in all their diversity, including gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health services, and operates as a safe harbor to deliver these services in the current context. As we continue to shape humanitarian reform, women, girls, and young people must remain at its center. Success should be measured by whether women can safely give birth during conflict, whether survivors can access care after violence, or whether violence can be prevented in the first place, and whether life-saving services reach those who need them most.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the UNFPA. We have We have heard the last statement of this general discussion. Thus, the council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 9 in the general discussion. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we will now begin with the closing of this segment. I would like to invite Mr. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, to make a closing statement. Mr. Fletcher, you have the floor.

Well, thank you, Chair, and allow me to underline once again our gratitude to Spain for both your consistent and generous funding for humanitarian work and your consistent support for international law. Thank you also to participants. It's been very good listening and learning over the last few days. I've been getting regular updates on the discussion and to hear even now such solid support from member states, from our friends and partners across the UN agencies who are doing such extraordinary work, and of course our friends and partners across the IFRC and NGOs and beyond, and some very, very powerful statements that I've been privileged to listen to this morning. Thank you also to the excellent team who have put together all the work that has gone into these few days. Let me start with the good news. As of this morning, the latest stats are in, we have reached 25.3 million people in the highest severity crises, 4 and 5, this year with life-saving aid. Never mind all the other headlines that you will be reading today, That is a story that we can be very proud of as the humanitarian community, and you, through the work that you've done here, are part of that humanitarian movement, so thank you for that. Out there now, on the front lines of this effort, our colleagues— you know, we just heard from colleagues in the field— are going through those checkpoints. They are setting up those mobile clinics that are responding to Ebola. In the DRC. They are facing the risks that we were just reminded of by our colleague from IFRC, an organization that has shown incredible courage out there on the front lines, and we need to match that courage with moral ambition from states and from this group. I'll give you the bad news now. Right now, millions are going without essential food, healthcare protection, Programs to shield women and girls—we just heard from our fantastic colleagues at UNFPA—programs to shield women and girls have been slashed globally, hundreds of aid organizations shut, and the sector is a third smaller than a year ago. Sexual violence is being weaponized and impunity is rampant. Those 1,000—1,000 dead colleagues that many of you have spoken of were mostly killed by states.— many killed while delivering food, water, shelter, protection, medicine, often in clearly marked convoys, often on missions coordinated with the authorities. No investigations, no accountability. This is a tough time to be humanitarians. It's a time when we're finding new ways to kill each other while dismantling hard-won protections to stop our worst instincts as humans. Over 90% of drone attacks in built-up areas now are civilians. 50% more kids killed in Sudan in the first quarter of this year than the first quarter of last year. States seizing territory because they can. This is a time when 12 men control half of the world's resources. It's a time when many of us hope that technology would bring us together, but we find it driving us apart. A time when people who flee violence and conflict are welcomed not with kindness and generosity, but with hostility and dehumanization. This is a time of national distancing when the rules of the global order are under sustained, deliberate attack, and the splintering of these protections are cheered on by those who should be defending them. So beware the easy consensus of a conference room. Beware the easy platitudes of diplomatic debates. This is not a time for business as usual for humanitarians. We need radical transparency and we need transformation in the way we work. Thank you for the support you've given over these few days to the Humanitarian Reset and UNAT. Thank you. We've defined our work more robustly around saving lives.— starting with the 87 million people in severity areas 4 and 5. The principle of impartiality demands that we start with them, and all we're asking to reach them is $23 billion, less than 1% of what the world is spending on arms. We're delivering genuine change in the way that we work, cutting, slashing the inefficiencies, the duplication, and liberating humanitarian action from the egos and logos and silos of the humanitarian system. We're delivering the leadership at country level, and I applaud our humanitarian coordinators, our agency heads, our NGO colleagues at country level, and— and this is such an important theme of your conversation— shifting power to local actors. It's not happening fast enough, We're talking about it much more than we're actually doing it. That's got to change. And we also must carve out time, not just to reform as a technocratic exercise around numbers, but as a genuine reimagination of our work and as a genuine power shift to those that we serve. So thank you for your focus this week on localization. Thank you. For those who've called for flexible, multi-year funding. I hope we start to see more of it. Thank you for the emphasis on protection of international humanitarian law and humanitarian workers, because humanitarian action is a human instinct. It predates humanitarian conventions and systems and ECOSOC HAS and OCHA and all of us. Human solidarity was not invented in the middle of the last century, and we're not wrong to believe that we have more in common with other humans than just where we were lucky or unlucky enough to have been born. Human connection is what sets us apart from artificial intelligence. We need to teach it, learn it, fight for it. Many of you supported the work around UN80. Thank you again. For that. And what do the last few days and these challenges we face mean for the United Nations? Yes, the UN is imperfect, but is the UN dead? Tell that to the relatives and the friends of hundreds of our colleagues who died saving lives last year. Tell it to those under the bombs right now who we are reaching with life-saving support. The UN was not a ship that was meant to to stay in harbor. It was built for times like this, and the humanitarian movement was built for times like this. So we must defend these values and principles in the face of whatever provocation, whatever challenge, from whatever quarter. It's at times like this that it's most important to stand by these values and principles. Thank you. We do not get to choose our times, but we can choose what we do with them. Thank you.

I thank the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Fletcher, for your statement, for your leadership, your work, and for accompanying us in this humanitarian segment of the ECOSOC this week, which has been so important. Excellency, distinguished delegates, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, as we come to the close of this year's Humanitarian Affairs segment, allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to all speakers, panelists, and participants for their thoughtful and substantive contributions over the past two days. Our discussions have taken place at a moment of significant challenges for the humanitarian system, and more importantly, for the millions of people affected by crises around the world. Across multiple contexts, we have heard clearly about suffering that is intensifying at the same time the operational environment facing humanitarian organizations has become more complex, more constrained, and more uncertain. Throughout this segment, three interrelated topics have guided our discussions. First, the humanitarian system is adapting and continues delivering assistance. Based on the exchanges on the humanitarian reset, we have heard that the humanitarian organizations are already undertaking significant efforts to respond to mounting operational and financial pressures. These efforts include strengthening coordination, simplifying structures, reinforcing accountability, and focusing limited resources on the most urgent life-saving needs. We have also heard about the importance of country-level leadership, as well as the value of working more closely with national and local actors who are often the first and most sustained responders in times of crisis. At the same time, discussions reflected a diversity of perspectives regarding the pace, scope, and implications of these reforms. This underscores the importance of ensuring that adaptation remains inclusive, balanced, and firmly focused on meeting the needs of affected populations. Second, our discussions have reiterated the responsibility of member states— the responsibility of member states to protect civilians and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. On the panel on the protection of civilians, participants highlighted the humanitarian impact of the lack of respect of international humanitarian law and access constraints. We have heard about how damage to civilian infrastructure, forced displacement, and insecurity continue deepening humanitarian suffering and complicating the provision of assistance. There was also broad recognition of the fact that adhering to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, including the protection of humanitarian personnel, remain fundamental to enabling humanitarian actions. Participants recognize that the implementation of legal obligations and accountability for violations remain insufficient in too many contexts. Our exchanges have underscored both the importance and the urgency of defending these principles and norms and the need for sustained dialogue and engagement among all stakeholders. Third, the segment has highlighted the scale and urgency of the humanitarian financing challenge. In the discussions on financing, there was clear concern regarding the growing gap between humanitarian requirements and available resources. We have heard about how this gap is translating into difficult operational decisions that require humanitarian organizations to prioritize assistance towards those in the most severe conditions. We have also heard compelling examples of the very real human consequences of these constraints, including reductions in assistance and and disruptions in essential services. At the same time, participants emphasized the importance of flexible, predictable, and timely funding, as well as the need to strengthen collective approaches and support local actors. As reflected in our discussions, financing remains a critical enabler of humanitarian action, but it is not the only one. Taken together, these discussions point to a number of common understandings. They reflect broad recognition that humanitarian adaptation is already underway. They highlight the increasing complexity of the operational environment, as well as the extraordinary commitment of humanitarian organizations and staff to stay and deliver. They highlight the reality that humanitarian organizations are being required to make increasingly difficult choices in order to sustain life-saving assistance. At the same time, our discussions have also made clear that adapt— Thank you. Transportation itself cannot address all of these challenges. Humanitarian action depends on conditions that extend beyond the humanitarian system. It relies on an environment in which parties to conflict protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law, where humanitarian principles can be upheld, and where access can be secured and operations can take place safely and effectively. In this regard, the role of member states remains central. In the three panels, there was a consistent recognition that sustained cooperation and engagement and shared responsibility are essential to preserving the capacity of the humanitarian system to respond. This includes not only support to humanitarian operations, but also efforts to create and maintain conditions that enable the functioning of these operations. As we conclude this segment, it is important to recognize both the seriousness of the challenges we face and the ongoing commitment of the international community to address them. Let us not underestimate the complexity of the issues discussed. We recognize that there are different perspectives and that solutions are not always simple. Yet the segment has shown our membership's consensus on the importance of assisting people affected by humanitarian crises and supporting humanitarian organizations. It has also demonstrated the— Thank you. Value of dialogue, exchange, and cooperation. It has provided an opportunity to bring together different experiences, perspectives, and approaches, and collectively reflect upon the best ways to respond to constantly evolving humanitarian needs. In conclusion, allow me to highlight three brief reflections. First, the humanitarian system continues to operate under significant strain, but it continues to deliver. Second, the discussions of this segment have shown that adaptation, cooperation, and principled action remain central to sustaining humanitarian efforts. And third, the responsibility to address these challenges is shared. Member States must play their part in tackling those issues and adopting concrete actions to that end. Excellencies, allow me to conclude with a simple appeal. As we leave this room, I encourage all Member States, along with with humanitarian partners to carry forward the spirit of these discussions, turning them into concrete action to continue supporting humanitarian efforts in ways that are predictable, flexible, and responsive, and reinforce conditions that allow humanitarian actions, actions to be delivered safely, impartially, and effectively, and sustain engagement despite differences, recognizing that cooperation remains essential even in an increasingly complex and divided international environment.

Thank you.

Looking ahead, the task before us is to continue building on the exchanges of these past few days through sustained engagement, practical cooperation, and continued commitment to collective action. In doing so, we can help ensure that humanitarian action remains capable of responding effectively to those in greatest need, even as suffering continues to intensify. I thank all of you for your participation and engagement. I will conclude here. The Humanitarian Affairs segment of the Economic and Social Council at its 2026 session is hereby concluded. Thank you very much.

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