Humanitarian Affairs Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council
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بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Statement by
H. E. Mr. Javad Amin-Mansour
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative
The Islamic Republic of Iran
Humanitarian Affairs Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council
Geneva - 26 June, 2019
Mr. President,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My delegation welcomes convening of the humanitarian affairs segment of ECOSOC in Geneva, where the majority of international humanitarian mechanisms are located. We are committed to be engaged, here, in fruitful discussions.
Looking at the Global trends and challenges, one in every 70 people is caught up in crisis and urgently needs humanitarian protection and assistance. According to the figures, the number of refugees has reached 70 million, which requires closer look at the crises and their root causes by the international community. More people are being displaced by conflicts and natural disasters, as the main drivers of humanitarian needs in 2019.
I would like to underline that the response to humanitarian emergencies must be based on full respect for the principles of International law, including states sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs of States. Humanitarian aid and assistance should be channeled in a way that would be complementary to national or local efforts in any affected country and upon its official request. We reiterate the primary role of affected states in humanitarian assistance, and their national leadership in initiation, organization and coordination of humanitarian assistance.
Mr. President,
Natural disasters, due to either geological or human-induced reasons, continue to impose heavy human and environmental damages.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is among the major disaster-prone countries in the world. In March and April 2019, unprecedented precipitation and heavy floods affected 26 of 31 provinces, during which thousands of towns and villages were submerged in northern, western and southwestern Iran. As a result, 76 people were killed and tens of thousands of people were displaced and had to be evacuated in the largest humanitarian operations my country has ever experienced. The death toll was rather limited due to the well-in-advance precautionary measures, preparedness, active participation of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, nation-wide valuable support and involvement of all people, and of course the international humanitarian assistance.
It is not secret that my country experienced such a huge disaster, when unilateral economic sanctions of the US, simultaneously was targeting the affected people. As a matter of fact, the sufferings of the people were doubled by the impacts of the unilateral economic sanctions.
It goes without saying that unilateral coercive measures are unlawful and run counter to the principles and rules of international humanitarian law, international cooperation, and play an undeniable role in aggravating the humanitarian situations. Unilateral economic sanctions are, in fact, a crime against humanity, since they lack legitimacy and legality, violate basic human rights, and lead to malnutrition and even starvation of the targeted populations. We also express our deep concern over the adverse impacts of UCMs over the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people who are in desperate needs, and urge all states and civil societies to oppose such measures.
Distinguished Delegates,
It is worth noting that following the recent natural disasters in Iran, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) declared that it was ready to offer help to Iran, but the challenges caused by unilateral sanctions affect the UN response and the accountability of UN to deliver appropriate support. Also, Mr. Peter Maurer, the ICRC president in a briefing on 1st April 2019 to the UN Security Council on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law and International humanitarian law, stated: (and I quote) “Neutral and impartial humanitarian action is hindered by elaborate sanctions regimes and counter-terrorism measures.” I have to add that Mr. Idriss Jazairy, the Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on UCM announced in a report: (and I quote) "unilateral sanctions, that restrict nearly any financial transaction or seek to prevent third countries from engaging in legal trade with a country, are illegal and immoral forms of coercion, particularly when they harm the human rights of the people living in targeted countries.”
Mr. President,
A large portion of humanitarian needs occur in long-lasting and protracted crises and there has been regrettably limited attention to their root causes. We believe that in our region, unlawful military and other interventions in the internal affairs are among the main root causes of conflicts, which escalate humanitarian needs. In addition, politicization of humanitarian assistance could be counted as a major threat to and obstacle for the provision and delivery of Humanitarian aid and assistance. Humanitarian affairs must enjoy impartiality and be far from political considerations and objectives.
In conclusion, Mr. President, my Government reiterates its commitment to constructive dialogue and collaboration with all parties for strengthening the coordination and provision of humanitarian assistance.
I thank you.