United Nations Radio

children lining up for food

With the international community having grasped the true scope of the devastation in flood-ravaged Pakistan, the UN General Assembly urged the international community, particularly donor countries, world financial institutions and relevant organizations, as well as private sector and civil society to extend full support and assistance to Pakistan's government in its efforts to cope with the impacts of the worst rains and floods to hit the country in decades and to meet medium and long-term needs.

NARRATOR: Speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community- CARICOM, the representative of Suriname Ambassador Henry McDonald expressed profound sympathies to the people and government of Pakistan on the destruction, devastation and loss of lives and livelihoods caused by the ongoing and unprecedented floods in Pakistan.

McDonald: As a group of states constantly embattled by natural disasters, Caribbean countries are acutely aware of the enormous suffering caused by a disaster of such magnitude, having witnessed earlier this year, one of the worst natural disasters in history by our sister country Haiti. Given the size of our countries, it felt as if the entire Caribbean region was hit by the massive earthquake. As the numbers of those affected by floods in Pakistan are already alarming and is expected to rise, there is need for the international community to commit continued assistance to the Pakistani people urgently while actions are taken to assess the total destruction. In this regard, it is encouraging to know that the generosity of donors is being demonstrated through increased funding.

NARRATOR: Ambassador Mac Donald said the rapid involvement of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in regards to the disaster, strikes a positive note and should further be supported. He said this is testimony of the very ideals we all hold dear that in time of enormous suffering we will come to the aid of those in their darkest hour of need. He thanked the UN Secretary-general for his leadership and swift action and for his statements on the disaster.

McDonald: These unprecedented floods demand unprecedented assistance and the flood waves must be matched with waves of global support." We also thank the foreign minister of Pakistan...for sharing with us the dire situation currently on the ground in his country and the actions taken by his government. CARICOM countries would like to request him to convey to the government and people of Pakistan the solidarity of the governments and peoples of the Caribbean community... CARICOM, as a society of small nations with limited means at its disposal stands ready to extend help in all ways within its possibilities and calls upon the international community to stand in unity with the Pakistani people, especially the floods have ceased to be headlines in the international media is when destroyed livelihoods are yet to be rebuilt.

NARRATOR: The General Assembly in its resolution requested the secretary-general and the UN system agencies to further intensify their efforts to sensitize the international community to Pakistan's humanitarian, recovery and reconstruction needs and to mobilize effective, immediate and adequate support to the country.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
Duration: