State Secretary Stenhammer

Earthquake in South Asia.

Ministerial meeting on humanitarian assistance in Geneva, 26 October 2005

The earthquake in Pakistan is a disaster of enormous proportions. The images of human suffering have made a profound impact on us. I would like, on behalf of the Government of Norway and the Norwegian people, to convey my deepest sympathy to the many victims and all those who have lost their loved ones.

There is widespread awareness of the tragedy among the Norwegian people. Dedicated individuals, many of them with roots in Pakistan, have spontaneously started humanitarian relief operations and other forms of support. Our new International Development Minister, Erik Solheim, is in regular contact with these groups.

Only last week the Norwegian Parliament approved a financial contribution of 28 million US dollars to support international humanitarian relief efforts in the disaster stricken areas. These are additional funds, e.g. over and above our regular budgetary allocation for humanitarian action this year. Of the 28 million USD, approximately 7 millions has so far been allocated to the UN. Further contributions will be forthcoming.

Our efforts are being directed to areas where we consider they will do most good based on an overall evaluation of the situation that takes account of the priorities and activities of other donors. We are using channels with enough capacity to provide effective assistance to the affected areas. This means the UN, the Red Cross system and the NGOs already established in the area.

Based on earlier experience from disaster situations, we believe that the success of international relief efforts depends on effective coordination, the inclusion and use of local structures and resources, respect for human rights, avoidance of corruption, and the application of long term perspectives in short term humanitarian actions.

Norway is closely following the emergency relief efforts of the UN, especially through its embassy in Islamabad. We hope, in this regard, that the international relief efforts will do better than we did after the Tsunami, when there was a tendency for donors to try to out-perform each other, leading to fragmentation and lack of cooperation with national and local authorities. Development Minister Solheim is currently visiting Pakistan. As a result of his visit, further contribution to the international relief efforts may be forthcoming.

Mr Chairman,

Sadly, we know that disasters will continue to happen. It is not in our power to prevent them. But it is in our power to ensure that we are equipped to offer help when disasters occur. Our distress at the extent of the earthquake in South Asia must be channelled into efforts to make our response to crises even better. We must translate our sympathy with the millions who at this very moment are suffering hunger and misery into appropriate, concrete efforts to help.

Thank you.