STATEMENT BY
MS AIDA SAFURA NIZA OTHMAN
REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
ON AGENDA ITEM 75 (a) to (c): “STRENGTHENING OF THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AND DISASTER RELIEF ASSISTANCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS”
NEW YORK, 10 DECEMBER 2021
Mr. President,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Brunei Darussalam on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
2. At the outset, my delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General for the reports on this important agenda item.
3. It is clear from the reports that the climate and health crises have further exposed inequalities and expanded humanitarian needs worldwide. In addition, conflicts continue to impose devastating effects on the humanitarian situation in affected countries, hitting vulnerable populations the hardest. It is worrying that in 2022, more than 270 million people would require humanitarian assistance with USD41 billion in funding being needed, globally.
4. Against these backdrops, a more robust global action is required. In this context, Malaysia commends efforts undertaken by the international community including the United Nations in ensuring that humanitarian assistance remains operational, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 situation.
Mr. President,
5. Malaysia remains committed in assisting global humanitarian relief efforts. We would continue to work hand in hand with the UN in supporting the World Food Programme’s first relief base in Asia. The depot which was setup in 2012 in Subang has played a crucial role in large scale operations to support COVID-19 responses in the region. This includes the shipment of mobile storage units, generator sets, water tanks, lighting equipment, furniture and prefab modules to support COVID-19 operations and humanitarian relief in Cox’s Bazaar.
6. Malaysia would also continue to extend assistance within our capacity through OCHA and bilaterally. This year, Malaysia provided financial contribution to OCHA for the purpose of humanitarian relief in Afghanistan, Iraq and Yemen. We also agreed to a predictable long-term contribution of USD1 million over the period of 5 years to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in support of the Agency’s relief efforts to the Palestinian people.
7. At the regional level, Malaysia will continue to work closely with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) in providing collective disaster response by ASEAN nations in Southeast Asia.
Mr. President,
8. Malaysia notes with concern continued attacks on humanitarian workers during the reporting period. The safety and security of humanitarian and UN personnel is paramount and they must be protected. Towards this end, my delegation welcomes efforts including reinforcing security risk management strategies, enhancing the support of the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) to the resident coordinators and bolstering security collaboration between the UN and host Governments.
Mr President,
9. To conclude, Malaysia believes that timely, predictable, coordinated, and accountable response to humanitarian needs is more critical than ever in saving lives and alleviating suffering. Malaysia reiterates our call for continued coordination and collaboration between UN mechanisms and Member States in ensuring effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to those most in need.
I thank you.