| United Nations | A/RES/49/21 |
General Assembly
Distr. GENERAL
2 December 1994
ORIGINAL:
ENGLISH
A/RES/49/21
A-C: 74th plenary meeting
2 December 1994
D-N: 93rd plenary meeting
20 December 1994
O: 101st plenary meeting
13 April 1995
P: 108th plenary meeting
18 September 1995
49/21. Special economic assistance to individual countries or
regions
A
Economic assistance to States affected by the implementation of the
Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions against the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)
The General Assembly,
Recalling the provisions of Articles 25, 48, 49 and 50 of the Charter of
the United Nations,
Recalling also, Security Council resolution 843 (1993) of 18 June 1993,
in which the Council entrusted the Committee established pursuant to its
resolution 724 (1991) of 15 December 1991 with the task of examining requests
by Member States for assistance under the provisions of Article 50 of the
Charter,
Recalling further Security Council resolution 943 (1994) of 23 September
1994, in which the Council invited the Committee established pursuant to
resolution 724 (1991) to adopt appropriate streamlined procedures for
expediting its consideration of applications concerning legitimate
humanitarian assistance,
Recalling the recommendations of the Security Council Committee
established pursuant to resolution 724 (1991) concerning Yugoslavia in
response to requests for assistance under the provisions of Article 50 of the
Charter received by the Council from certain States confronting special
economic problems,
Reaffirming its resolution 48/210 of 21 December 1993 on economic
assistance to States affected by the implementation of the Security Council
resolutions imposing sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(Serbia and Montenegro), in which it supported the above-mentioned
recommendations of the Security Council Committee and appealed to all States
and invited the competent organs and specialized agencies of the United
Nations system to fulfil those recommendations,
Commending the efforts of the international financial institutions and
those States which responded to the appeal of the Secretary-General by taking
into consideration the special economic problems arising from the
implementation of the sanctions in their support programmes to the affected
States,
Commending also the steps undertaken by the intergovernmental and
regional organizations, in particular the Conference on Security and
Cooperation in Europe and the European Union, as well as through the Central
European Initiative, to assist the affected States in developing regional
transport and communications infrastructures,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 9 September 1994
on the implementation of resolution 48/210, and in particular of the
conclusions contained therein,
Confident that in compliance with Article 49 of the Charter, the Member
States of the United Nations shall join in affording mutual assistance in
carrying out the measures decided upon by the Security Council,
1. Expresses concern at the persisting special economic problems
confronting States, in particular the States that border the Federal Republic
of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), the other Danube riparian States and
all other States adversely affected by the severance of their economic
relations with the Federal Republic and the disruption of traditional
transport and communications links in that part of Europe and their continuous
adverse impact on the economies of those States;
2. Recognizes the urgent need for a concerted response from the
international community to deal in a more effective manner with the special
economic problems of the affected States in view of their magnitude and the
adverse impact of the sanctions on those States;
3. Invites the international financial institutions to continue to
pay special attention to the economic problems of the affected States arising
from the implementation of the sanctions and the adverse social impact and to
consider, inter alia:
(a) How the existing facilities of the International Monetary Fund
might be helpful to the States concerned, with the view to alleviating their
special economic problems;
(b) How consultative group meetings of the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development for the countries in question, scheduled for
1995, might further help to mobilize additional resources to mitigate the
losses and costs incurred by those countries;
4. Requests the competent organs, programmes and specialized agencies
of the United Nations system to take into consideration, in programming their
development activities, the special needs of the affected States and to
consider providing assistance to them from their special programme resources;
5. Renews its appeal to all States on an urgent basis to provide
immediate technical, financial and material assistance to the affected States
to mitigate the adverse effect on their economies of the application of
sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)
inter alia through consideration of the provision of assistance for the
promotion of the exports of the affected countries and for the promotion of
investments in those countries;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to seek, on a regular
basis, information from States and the concerned organs and agencies of the
United Nations system on action taken to alleviate the special economic
problems of the affected States and to report thereon to the Security Council,
as well as to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution
to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
B
Financing of the Palestinian Police Force
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 48/213 of 21 December 1993 on assistance to the
Palestinian people,
Noting the establishment of the Palestinian Police Force pursuant to the
Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements and the
Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area,
Noting also the establishment of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee pursuant
to the Conference to Support Middle East Peace, held in Washington, D.C., on 1
October 1993,
Conscious of the need to establish a mechanism for disbursements to the
Palestinian Police Force,
1. Requests the Secretary-General to designate a United Nations
agency to disburse, with due attention to the need for thorough accounting,
the voluntary contributions given by donors in light of the activities of the
Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for salaries and other start-up costs of the
Palestinian Police Force, for a period ending not later than the end of March
1995;
2. Encourages all Member States to contribute funds for this purpose
through the designated United Nations agency;
3. Also requests the Secretary-General to report on the
implementation of the present resolution.
C
Special emergency assistance for the economic
recovery and reconstruction of Burundi
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 48/17 of 3 November 1993 and 49/7 of 25
October 1994 concerning the situation in Burundi,
Considering that the political crisis with which Burundi has been beset
since October 1993 has had negative effects on its economy as evidenced, in
particular, by the destruction of many social and economic infrastructures,
the sluggish pace of production activities and the sharp decline in public
revenue,
Recalling also that prior to the crisis, Burundi was distinguished by
the efficiency of its macroeconomic management,
Noting that Burundi has been making efforts to alleviate the adverse
impact of the recent political turmoil on its economy and has thus helped
substantially to improve the situation,
Convinced that the country has the capacity to achieve appreciable
economic performance under its structural adjustment programme,
Convinced also that the recent formation of a coalition Government holds
out the promise of rapid economic recovery and effective reconstruction,
Taking into account, however, that in view of the inadequacy of the
economic and financial resources of Burundi, the continued assistance of the
international community is needed to implement the plans and programmes set
for the new coalition Government,
1. Expresses its gratitude to all States, United Nations institutions
and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations for the emergency
humanitarian assistance that they have been delivering to Burundi since the
onset of the crisis;
2. Invites all States, United Nations institutions and
intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to provide Burundi with
economic, financial, material and technical assistance for economic recovery
and for the reconstruction of the various infrastructures damaged or destroyed
during the crisis;
3. Requests the Secretary-General, in close cooperation with the
Secretary- General of the Organization of African Unity, to coordinate the
activities being implemented by the United Nations system to meet the needs of
the people of Burundi adequately and to mobilize the assistance of the
international community;
4. Also requests the Secretary-General to report to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session on the implementation of the present
resolution;
5. Decides to consider at its fiftieth session the item entitled
"Special assistance for the economic recovery and reconstruction of Burundi".
D
Assistance to Mozambique
The General Assembly,
Recalling Security Council resolutions 386 (1976) of 17 March 1976 and
782 (1992) of 13 October 1992,
Recalling also its relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 45/227
of 21 December 1990 and resolution 47/42 of 9 December 1992, in which it urged
the international community to respond effectively and generously to the call
for assistance to Mozambique,
Reaffirming the principles for humanitarian assistance contained in the
annex to its resolution 46/182 of 19 December 1991,
Recalling further its resolution 48/7 of 19 October 1993 on assistance
in mine clearance, and noting with great concern the proliferation of
land-mines in areas that had been the scene of war in Mozambique,
Bearing in mind the donors conference held at Rome in December 1992 and
the follow-up meeting held at Maputo in June 1993, the main objective of which
was to mobilize resources for post-war programming in support of the
resettlement and reintegration of returning refugees, internally displaced
persons and demobilized soldiers,
Bearing in mind also the Paris Declaration and the Programme of Action
for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s, adopted by the Second United
Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries on 14 September 1990,
Stressing the need for continuing support for humanitarian assistance in
view of the ongoing process of repatriation, resettlement and reintegration of
the returning refugees, internally displaced persons and demobilized soldiers,
Stressing also that Mozambique is emerging from a devastating war and
that a proper response to the current situation in the country requires
substantial international assistance provided in a comprehensive and
integrated manner and linking humanitarian assistance with economic aid for
national reconstruction and development,
Noting with gratitude the mobilization and allocation by relevant
organizations of the United Nations system and intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations of resources for a post-war consolidated
humanitarian assistance programme for Mozambique,
Welcoming the role played by all parties and the people of Mozambique in
general in the implementation of the General Peace Agreement for Mozambique,
signed at Rome on 4 October 1992, whose main goals are the establishment of
lasting peace, the enhancement of democracy and the promotion of national
reconciliation in that country,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 16 September
1994 on assistance to Mozambique,
1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;
2. Expresses its gratitude to all States and intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations that have rendered assistance to Mozambique;
3. Notes with appreciation that a mine-clearance programme is under
way in Mozambique, with the support of the United Nations, in close
cooperation with Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations, and urges the international community to continue to provide
the needed assistance for the accomplishment of the mine-clearance programme
in that country;
4. Commends the people of Mozambique for their diligence and tireless
efforts in pursuit of lasting peace and stability in that country;
5. Expresses its satisfaction at the successful implementation of the
General Peace Agreement for Mozambique, which has created favourable
conditions for the establishment of lasting peace, the enhancement of
democracy, the promotion of national reconciliation and the implementation of
a programme of national reconstruction and development for Mozambique;
6. Welcomes the successful implementation of the General Peace
Agreement, which culminated in the holding of multi-party elections in October
1994 in that country;
7. Calls upon the international community and intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations to continue to render their generous assistance
to Mozambique in the form of financial, material and technical support for the
repatriation of refugees and the resettlement and reintegration of the
returning refugees, internally displaced persons and demobilized soldiers;
8. Appeals to the international community to extend its support to
the Government and people of Mozambique in order to establish lasting peace
and democracy and to promote an effective programme of national reconstruction
and development in that country;
9. Requests the Secretary-General, in close cooperation with the
Government of Mozambique:
(a) To continue his efforts to mobilize international assistance for
the national reconstruction and development of Mozambique;
(b) To ensure the coordination of the work of the United Nations
system for an adequate response to the humanitarian assistance and development
needs of Mozambique;
(c) To prepare a report on international assistance for the national
reconstruction and development of Mozambique for submission to the General
Assembly at its fifty-first session.
E
Assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 45/232 of 21 December 1990, 46/147 of
17 December 1991, 47/154 of 18 December 1992 and 48/197 of 21 December 1993,
Taking note of Security Council resolution 950 (1994) of 21 October
1994, in which the Council, inter alia, decided to extend the mandate of the
United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia until 13 January 1995, called on
all factions to cease hostilities and agree to a timetable for disarmament and
demobilization, and called on the Liberian National Transitional Government
and all Liberians to seek political accommodation and national reconciliation,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 7 October 1994,
Commending the Economic Community of West African States for its
continuing efforts to find a resolution of the conflict and to restore peace
and stability in Liberia,
Commending also the positive role being played by the President of
Ghana, in his capacity as current Chairman of the Economic Community of West
African States, to reactivate the peace process and find a durable solution to
the conflict,
Noting that, even though a viable country-wide emergency assistance
programme has been instituted, security and logistic problems continue
seriously to hamper relief assistance, particularly in the interior, and have
prevented the transition from emergency relief to reconstruction and
development,
Gravely concerned about the devastating effects of the protracted
conflict on the socio-economic conditions in Liberia, and noting the urgent
need to rehabilitate, in an atmosphere of peace and stability, basic sectors
of the country in order to restore normalcy,
Recognizing the importance of the commitment to the peace process by all
parties and factions and the need to create an enabling environment in which
assistance can be delivered,
1. Expresses its gratitude to Member States and international and
non-governmental organizations that have responded and continue to respond to
appeals by the Liberian National Transitional Government and to the appeals by
the Secretary- General for emergency assistance;
2. Expresses its gratitude also to the Secretary-General for his
continuing efforts to mobilize the international community, the United Nations
and other organizations to provide emergency assistance to Liberia, and urges
that such assistance be continued;
3. Calls upon the international community and intergovernmental
organizations to provide Liberia with technical, financial and other
assistance for the repatriation and resettlement of Liberian refugees,
returnees and displaced persons and for the rehabilitation of combatants,
which constitute important elements for facilitating the transition from
emergency assistance to reconstruction and the holding of democratic elections
in Liberia;
4. Appeals to the international community and intergovernmental
organizations to provide adequate assistance to programmes identified in the
report of the Secretary-General, including the preparation of a new appeal for
humanitarian assistance to cover emergency assistance needs and to support the
peace process, strengthening existing programmes and projects to stimulate the
local economy through, inter alia, increased agricultural output and food-aid
monetization, and supporting the formulation of an economic rehabilitation
strategy and area development scheme to assist the resettlement and
reintegration of affected communities;
5. Reiterates its appeal to the international community and
intergovernmental organizations to contribute generously to the Trust Fund
established by the Secretary- General, in order to enable the Military
Observer Group of the Economic Community of West African States to fulfil its
mandate and to help defray the cost of deployment of additional troops from
outside the subregion;
6. Calls upon all parties and factions in Liberia to respect fully
the security and safety of personnel of the United Nations and the specialized
agencies, as well as of non-governmental organizations, to guarantee their
complete freedom of movement throughout Liberia, and to take all measures
necessary to create an atmosphere conducive to the successful resolution of
the Liberian conflict;
7. Requests the Secretary-General:
(a) To continue his efforts to coordinate the work of the United
Nations system and to mobilize financial, technical and other assistance for
the holding of democratic elections and the rehabilitation and reconstruction
of Liberia;
(b) To undertake, when conditions permit, in close collaboration with
the authorities of Liberia, an overall assessment of needs, with the objective
of holding, when appropriate, a round-table conference of donors for the
rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia;
8. Also requests the Secretary-General to report to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session on the implementation of the present
resolution;
9. Decides to consider at its fiftieth session the question of
international assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia.
F
Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Djibouti
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 47/157 of 18 December 1992 and its previous
resolutions on economic assistance to Djibouti,
Recalling also the Paris Declaration and the Programme of Action for the
Least Developed Countries for the 1990s, adopted by the Second United Nations
Conference on the Least Developed Countries on 14 September 1990, as well as
the mutual commitments undertaken on that occasion and the importance attached
to the follow-up to that Conference,
Deeply distressed by the large number of persons afflicted by the
torrential rains and unprecedented flooding in Djibouti in November 1994 and
by the significant damage and devastation to property and infrastructure,
Noting with concern the death, injury and disappearance of scores of
people and the mounting needs of thousands of displaced persons, as well as
the destruction of dwellings, particularly in poorer districts, and the
disintegration of important parts of the national infrastructure, in
particular the road and rail networks, water supply, clinics and hospitals,
educational institutions and other public services,
Recognizing the extensive damage to the limited agricultural resources
of Djibouti, including the destruction of its livestock,
Aware of the efforts of the Government and people of Djibouti to save
human lives and to alleviate the suffering of the 100,000 victims of the
disaster,
Noting that the economic and social development efforts of Djibouti,
which is included in the list of least developed countries, are constrained by
the extremes of the local climate, in particular cyclical droughts and
torrential rains and floods such as those which are now occurring and which
occurred in 1989, and noting also that the implementation of reconstruction
and development programmes requires the deployment of substantial resources
which exceed the real capacity of the country,
Noting with concern that the situation in Djibouti has been made worse
by the deteriorating situation in the Horn of Africa and in particular in
Somalia, and noting the presence of over 100,000 refugees and persons
displaced from their countries, which has, on the one hand, placed serious
strains on the fragile economic, social and administrative infrastructure of
the country and, on the other, caused serious security problems,
Noting the critical economic and financial situation of Djibouti
resulting in part from the number of priority development projects that have
had to be suspended in view of serious developments in the international
situation, and in part from the effects of the regional conflicts, notably in
Somalia, which have disrupted services, transport and trade and which are
draining the State of most of its revenues,
Noting also the need for the efficient mobilization of local resources
to complement external assistance,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 5 October 1994,
Noting with gratitude the support provided to emergency relief
operations by various countries and by intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations,
Also noting with gratitude the support provided by the French forces
stationed in Djibouti, whose exemplary actions and interventions in
cooperation with Government forces helped to save several thousand human lives
during the floods,
1. Declares its solidarity with the Government and people of Djibouti
in the face of the devastating consequences of the torrential rains and floods
and the new economic realities of Djibouti, resulting in particular from the
continuing critical situation in the Horn of Africa, especially in Somalia;
2. Calls upon all States to contribute generously to the relief
operations and rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts now under way;
3. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his
efforts to make the international community aware of the difficulties faced by
Djibouti;
4. Welcomes the signing of the agreement on 14 November 1994 between
the Government of Djibouti and the United Nations Development Programme to
hold a round-table meeting at Geneva in March 1995 for the benefit of the
country;
5. Calls upon all States, all regional and interregional
organizations, non- governmental organizations and other intergovernmental
agencies, in particular the United Nations Development Programme, the United
Nations Children's Fund, the World Food Programme, the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and
the World Bank, to provide Djibouti with appropriate assistance, on a
bilateral and multilateral basis, to enable it to cope with its special
economic difficulties;
6. Considers that implementation of the demobilization programme and
of the national rehabilitation plan and reinforcement of democratic
institutions require generous assistance in the form of financial and material
support;
7. Emphasizes the importance of efficient use of external technical
and financial assistance and of the mobilization of local resources for
carrying out activities aimed at consolidating democracy and promoting the
welfare of the population, and encourages efforts in this regard;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his efforts to mobilize
the resources necessary for an effective programme of financial, technical and
material assistance to Djibouti;
9. Also requests the Secretary-General to prepare a study of the
progress made with economic assistance to that country, in time for the
question to be considered by the General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
G
International cooperation and assistance to alleviate the consequences of
war in Croatia and to facilitate its recovery
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 46/182 of 19 December 1991 and the annex
thereto, and 47/166 of 18 December 1992,
Reaffirming its resolution 48/204 of 21 December 1993,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 21 November
1994, which provides information on the status of implementation of resolution
48/204,
Taking note with appreciation of the actions that were undertaken under
the United Nations consolidated inter-agency appeals in the field of
humanitarian relief, and those within the framework of the regular programme
of the United Nations Development Programme,
Reaffirming the importance of the overall United Nations humanitarian
effort in Croatia,
Affirming the general importance of the humanitarian relief actions and
the need to transform them into longer-term development programmes,
particularly in areas damaged as a consequence of war,
Recognizing the continuous efforts of the Government of Croatia to
create the necessary conditions for post-war reconstruction,
1. Requests the Secretary-General to appoint, within existing
resources, a fact-finding expert mission for Croatia to assess the extent of
war damage and its consequences for the country's infrastructure, resources,
environment and individuals, and to consider the needs in order to assist the
Government of Croatia in preparing a programme for the rehabilitation,
reconstruction and development of Croatia, and to introduce, if appropriate,
an international appeal for its funding;
2. Reaffirms its appeal to all States, regional, intergovernmental
and non-governmental organizations and other relevant bodies to provide
cooperation in various forms and special and other assistance, in particular
in the most severely affected areas, with a view to facilitating peaceful
reintegration through the programme of reconstruction and development;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly
at its fiftieth session a comprehensive report on the implementation of the
present resolution.
H
Special Plan of Economic Cooperation for Central America
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 42/1 of 7 October 1987, 43/24 of 15 November
1988, 44/10 of 23 October 1989 and 45/15 of 20 November 1990, and in
particular its resolutions 42/204 of 11 December 1987, 42/231 of 12 May 1988,
43/210 of 20 December 1988, 44/182 of 19 December 1989, 45/231 of 21 December
1990, 46/170 of 19 December 1991 and 48/199 of 21 December 1993,
Recalling also the importance of the steps taken by the
Secretary-General for the establishment of the Special Plan of Economic
Cooperation for Central America in support of efforts to reach a political
solution to the Central American crisis,
Recognizing the valuable and effective economic and financial
contribution that the United Nations and various governmental and
non-governmental mechanisms have made to complement the national efforts for
the advancement of the process of pacification, democratization and
development in Central America,
Recognizing also the important work done by the United Nations
Development Programme in discharging the responsibilities entrusted to it for
the coordination of the Special Plan, in accordance with the decisions that
the Central American Governments have taken on the subject, as well as by
other specialized agencies of the United Nations system,
Noting with satisfaction the contribution of the Special Plan to the
formulation and execution of priority programmes for development in the
subregion, in the specific areas outlined in the report of the
Secretary-General of 12 October 1994, submitted pursuant to its resolution
48/199,
Taking into account the conclusion in May 1994 of the process
established by the International Conference on Central American Refugees, as
well as the depletion of resources and the anticipated end of the Special Plan
on 31 December 1994, in compliance with its resolution 45/231,
1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the Special
Plan of Economic Cooperation for Central America, which describes the
activities conducted under the Special Plan, together with requirements in
terms of the resources and financial assistance indispensable to the continued
implementation of priority programmes and projects favouring the consolidation
of the peace and development process in the subregion;
2. Expresses its thanks to the Secretary-General for his additional
efforts in support of the pacification process in Central America;
3. Expresses its appreciation to all States, to the donor community
in particular, to intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations,
international financial institutions, specialized agencies of the United
Nations system and regional and subregional organizations for the support and
solidarity offered in the execution of programmes and projects carried out in
the framework of the Special Plan and the International Conference on Central
American Refugees;
4. Stresses the importance of maintaining international economic,
technical and financial assistance and cooperation, both bilateral and
multilateral, to complement the national efforts to consolidate peace,
democracy and sustainable development in order to avoid a reversal of the
achievements and advances made in the process.
I
International assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance
for the Sustainable Development of Central America
The General Assembly,
Considering the relevant resolutions regarding the importance of
international economic, financial and technical cooperation and assistance
during the post-conflict period of transition to a consolidated peace,
Recalling the efforts and aspirations of the peoples and Governments of
the isthmus to make Central America a region of peace, freedom, democracy and
development,
Bearing in mind the conclusion of the Special Plan of Economic
Cooperation for Central America and the International Conference on Central
American Refugees, the implementation of which has furthered the development
process in Central America and served as a useful mechanism for facilitating
dialogue within the subregion and with the cooperating community,
Considering the Declaration of Commitments in favour of populations
affected by uprootedness and by conflicts and extreme poverty in the framework
of the consolidation of peace in Central America, adopted at the third
international meeting of the Follow-up Committee of the International
Conference on Central American Refugees, held at Mexico City on 28 and 29 June
1994, which recognizes that there is a pending agenda and that it is necessary
to shift the orientation of emergency programmes and move into a stage
focusing on strategies for sustainable human development in priority areas
selected by the countries, with the aim of consolidating peace and eradicating
social problems, in particular extreme poverty,
Recognizing that, notwithstanding the progress made, it is necessary to
continue monitoring the situation in Central America until the underlying
structural causes that gave rise to the deep crisis into which the region was
plunged have been overcome, and to avoid setbacks in the process and
consolidate a firm and lasting peace in Central America,
Recognizing also the importance and validity of the commitments assumed
by the Central American Presidents from the Esquipulas II summit meeting on 7
August 1987 to the present, in particular at the summit meeting held at
Guacimo, Costa Rica, from 18 to 20 August 1994, the Central American
Environment Summit for Sustainable Development, held at Managua on 12 and 13
October 1994 and the International Conference on Peace and Development in
Central America, held at Tegucigalpa on 24 and 25 October 1994, at which the
priorities of the subregion were set for establishing the framework for a new
programme of international assistance and cooperation for Central America,
Noting with satisfaction that, in his report of 12 October 1994 on the
Special Plan, the Secretary-General stated that continued efforts were needed
to solve old structural problems, which were a source of strain and were
obstacles to a firm and lasting peace in the region,
Noting the efforts of the Central American Governments to seek solutions
to social inequalities, extreme poverty and social exclusion and to promote
new, broader forms of participation and opportunities for their nationals as
part of the new strategy for sustainable human development, and noting also
the internal material and financial limitations to the full and effective
achievement of these objectives,
Taking into consideration the will of the Central American Presidents to
adopt a national and regional strategy entitled "Alliance for Sustainable
Development" as a comprehensive initiative in the political, moral, economic,
social and ecological fields, which includes a re-defining of the relations of
Central America with the international community and is aimed at improving the
well-being of the peoples of the subregion,
1. Emphasizes the compelling need to design a new programme for
international economic, financial and technical cooperation and assistance for
Central America geared to the new circumstances in the region and based on the
priorities laid down in the Declaration of Commitments adopted by the
Follow-up Committee of the International Conference on Central American
Refugees and in the new subregional strategy, the Alliance for Sustainable
Development;
2. Supports the efforts of the Central American Governments in their
commitments to the alleviation of extreme poverty and the fostering of
sustainable human development, and urges them to intensify their efforts to
implement policies and programmes, especially of an appropriate social and
environmental character, in carrying out those commitments;
3. Stresses the importance of international economic, financial and
technical cooperation in implementing the commitments of the new strategy for
sustainable human development in Central America;
4. Requests the Secretary-General, the United Nations system and, in
particular, the United Nations Development Programme to continue their efforts
to mobilize resources in order to put into effect the new strategy for
integral development in Central America contained in the Alliance for
Sustainable Development and in the Declaration of Commitments, through
arrangements that the Central American countries are to determine jointly with
the cooperating community;
5. Urges all States, intergovernmental organizations, international
financial institutions, the organs and specialized agencies of the United
Nations system and regional and subregional organizations to continue the
necessary support for the implementation of the goals and objectives of the
new strategy for integral development in Central America;
6. Again stresses the urgent need for the international community to
maintain its cooperation with the Central American countries and to provide
them with the necessary financial resources, in a sustained manner and on soft
terms, where appropriate, with a view to promoting effectively the economic
growth and development of the region;
7. Supports the decision taken by the Central American Presidents at
their fourteenth and fifteenth summit meetings with respect to the adoption of
decentralization policies oriented to human development at the local level and
linked where appropriate to macroeconomic policies, in response to the need to
complete the transition from humanitarian assistance to development
cooperation, and from emergency cooperation to the establishment and
implementation of sustainable human development programmes;
8. Expresses the view that only by solving the political, economic,
social and environmental problems that are the cause of tensions and conflicts
in society will it be possible to avoid a reversal of the achievements and
guarantee a firm and lasting peace in Central America;
9. Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of
the present resolution to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session, and
decides to consider the question of international assistance to and
cooperation with the Alliance for Sustainable Development in Central America
at that session and subsequently on a biennial basis.
J
Assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador
The General Assembly,
Recalling Security Council resolutions 784 (1992) of 30 October 1992 and
961 (1994) of 23 November 1994, and reaffirming its resolutions 47/158 of 18
December 1992 and 48/203 of 21 December 1993,
Having considered the reports of the Secretary-General of 21 October
1994 on assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador and
of 31 October and 14 November 1994 on the United Nations Observer Mission in
El Salvador,
Noting with satisfaction the progress made in implementing the
commitments assumed as a result of the signing of the Chapultepec Agreement
between the Government of El Salvador and the Frente Farabundo Marti para la
Liberacion Nacional, on 16 January 1992 at Mexico City, which put an end to
the armed conflict in El Salvador through a negotiation process developed
under the auspices of the Secretary-General,
Noting that, in spite of national efforts and the support given by the
international community to the implementation of priority programmes in the
National Reconstruction Plan and the strengthening of democratic institutions,
as well as to the implementation of certain priority programmes relating to
the Peace Agreement, which are crucial to the consolidation of peace, some of
these programmes have continued to be affected by, inter alia, the limited
availability of financial resources,
Recognizing that El Salvador is in a crucial stage of transition from
peace- keeping to the consolidation of peace, through the implementation of
the remaining commitments under the Peace Agreement and the strengthening of
integral and sustainable development programmes, and emphasizing the
importance and necessity of international technical and financial assistance
for the sustainability of those programmes in support of national efforts to
secure a firm and lasting peace,
Taking into account the need to ensure the full implementation of the
commitments undertaken in the Peace Agreement and to strengthen the national
machinery which will monitor the consolidation of the peace process following
the completion of the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in El
Salvador,
Noting with satisfaction the joint declaration by the Government of El
Salvador and the Frente Farabundo Marti of 4 October 1994, in which they agree
to cooperate closely and actively to expedite the implementation of the
remaining commitments under the Peace Agreement and the dispatch of a joint
mission to donor countries and institutions to conduct negotiations in order
to obtain the resources required for the promotion and consolidation of peace
and development in El Salvador,
1. Again expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General and his
representatives for their effective and timely participation, to the Group of
Friends of the Secretary-General, Colombia, Spain, Mexico and Venezuela, and
to the United States of America and other interested States for their
contribution to building peace in El Salvador;
2. Again expresses its gratitude to the international community,
especially the cooperating community, to the specialized agencies of the
United Nations system and to international development and financing
institutions, both governmental and non- governmental, for the technical and
financial assistance they have provided to El Salvador to complement the
effort to consolidate peace;
3. Recognizes that the implementation of the remaining commitments of
the Peace Agreement, the continuation of programmes of national
reconstruction, the strengthening of democratic institutions and the promotion
of sustainable development constitute the collective goals, aspirations and
needs of the country in overcoming the root causes of the crisis and
consolidating peace, democracy and human well-being;
4. Again calls upon the signatories to the Chapultepec Agreement to
expedite the implementation of the remaining commitments under that Agreement,
in accordance with the joint declaration signed on 4 October 1994, in order to
guarantee fully the building of peace in El Salvador and hence to encourage
the international community to increase the level of financial resources
accorded to priority projects for reconstruction, development and the
strengthening of democratic institutions in El Salvador;
5. Requests all States and international institutions active in the
field of international development and financing to continue to contribute to
the building of peace in El Salvador, urging them to respond flexibly and
generously to the joint efforts by the Government of El Salvador and the
Frente Farabundo Marti para la Liberacion Nacional to put together the
resources needed to implement fully the Peace Agreement and other priority
development programmes conducive to the establishment of a strong and lasting
peace in El Salvador;
6. Invites the international financial organizations to work with the
Government of El Salvador in considering measures to harmonize the priority
programmes arising out of the Peace Agreement and the National Reconstruction
Plan with economic adjustment and stabilization policies in order to
facilitate the consolidation of the peace process and make it more viable;
7. Again requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary
measures and make every possible effort to mobilize the material and financial
resources needed to meet the requirements of the priority programmes in El
Salvador that are critical to the successful outcome of the peace process;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of
the present resolution to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session and
decides to consider the question of assistance for the reconstruction and
development of El Salvador at that session and subsequently on a biennial
basis.
K
Emergency assistance to the Sudan
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 43/8 of 18 October 1988, 43/52 of 6 December
1988, 44/12 of 24 October 1989, 45/226 of 21 December 1990, 46/178 of 19
December 1991, 47/162 of 18 December 1992 and 48/200 of 21 December 1993 on
assistance to the Sudan,
Noting that, despite the progress made in the Sudan Emergency Operation
and Operation Lifeline Sudan, considerable relief needs still remain to be
addressed, particularly in the areas of non-food assistance, including
assistance to combat malaria, logistics and emergency recovery and
rehabilitation,
Recognizing the need in emergency situations to address the continuum of
relief, rehabilitation and development,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 12 September 1994
on emergency assistance to the Sudan, and of the statement made by the
representative of the Sudan before the General Assembly on 23 November 1994,
1. Appreciates and encourages increased cooperation by the Government
of the Sudan with the United Nations, takes note of the agreements and
arrangements achieved to facilitate relief operations through improvement of
United Nations assistance to affected areas, and encourages the Government of
the Sudan to continue to improve their implementation;
2. Calls upon the international community to continue to contribute
generously to the emergency needs and recovery of the country;
3. Calls upon the donor community and the United Nations system to
provide financial, technical and medical assistance, guided by the actions
called for by the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, to combat
malaria in the Sudan;
4. Appeals to all parties concerned to continue to pursue dialogue
and negotiations and to terminate hostilities to allow for the
re-establishment of peace, order and stability and also to facilitate relief
efforts;
5. Stresses the importance of assuring safe access for personnel
providing relief assistance to all in need;
6. Urges all parties involved to continue to offer all feasible
assistance, including facilitating the movement of relief supplies and
personnel, so as to guarantee maximum success of the Sudan Emergency Operation
and Operation Lifeline Sudan in all parts of the country;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to mobilize and
coordinate resources and support to the Sudan Emergency Operation and
Operation Lifeline Sudan, to assess the emergency situation in the country and
to report thereon, as well as on the recovery and rehabilitation of the
country, to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
L
Assistance for humanitarian relief and the economic
and social rehabilitation of Somalia
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 43/206 of 20 December 1988, 44/178 of 19
December 1989, 45/229 of 21 December 1990, 46/176 of 19 December 1991, 47/160
of 18 December 1992 and 48/201 of 21 December 1993 and the resolutions and
decisions of the Economic and Social Council on emergency assistance to
Somalia,
Recalling also Security Council resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992
and all subsequent relevant resolutions, in which the Council, inter alia,
urged all parties, movements and factions in Somalia to facilitate the efforts
of the United Nations, its specialized agencies and humanitarian organizations
to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the affected population in
Somalia and reiterated the call for the full respect of the security and
safety of the personnel of those organizations and the guarantee of their
complete freedom of movement in and around Mogadishu and other parts of
Somalia,
Recalling, in particular, Security Council resolution 954 (1994) of 4
November 1994, in which the Council, inter alia, decided to extend the mandate
of the United Nations Operation in Somalia II for a final period until 31
March 1995 and to withdraw all forces of the Operation before the expiry date
of the current mandate, and noting the interest of humanitarian agencies and
non-governmental organizations in cooperating with the United Nations after
the withdrawal of the Operation in transitional arrangements for mutual
assistance, security conditions permitting,
Noting the cooperation between the United Nations, the Organization of
African Unity, the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic
Conference, the countries of the Horn of Africa and the countries of the
Non-Aligned Movement in their efforts to resolve the humanitarian, security
and political crisis in Somalia,
Noting with appreciation the continued efforts made by the
Secretary-General to assist the Somali people in their efforts to promote
peace, stability and national reconciliation,
Noting with concern that the failure of the Somali parties to achieve
political reconciliation and to maintain secure conditions in some parts of
the country impedes the full transition from relief operations to
reconstruction and development,
Reaffirming the importance it attaches to the results of the Fourth
Coordination Meeting for Humanitarian Assistance for Somalia, held at Addis
Ababa from 29 November to 1 December 1993,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 30 September 1994
on assistance for humanitarian relief and the economic and social
rehabilitation of Somalia,
Deeply appreciative of the humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation
support rendered by a number of States to alleviate the hardship and suffering
of the affected Somali population,
Recognizing that the emergency phase of the present crisis can be
considered over and that there is a need for a parallel process of
rehabilitation and reconstruction alongside the ongoing relief operations in
those areas where security and stability have been attained,
Re-emphasizing the importance of the further implementation of its
resolution 47/160 to rehabilitate basic social and economic services at local
and regional levels throughout the country,
1. Expresses its gratitude to all States and the intergovernmental
and non-governmental organizations that have responded to the appeals of the
Secretary- General and others by extending assistance to Somalia;
2. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his
continued and tireless efforts to mobilize assistance to the Somali people;
3. Welcomes the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, the
Organization of African Unity, the League of Arab States, the Organization of
the Islamic Conference, the countries of the Horn of Africa and the countries
of the Non-Aligned Movement to resolve the situation in Somalia;
4. Urges all States and relevant intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations to continue the further implementation of
resolution 47/160 in order to assist the Somali people in embarking on the
rehabilitation of basic social and economic services as well as
institution-building aimed at the restoration of civil administration at the
local level in all those parts of the country where peace, security and
stability prevail;
5. Appeals to all the Somali parties concerned to terminate
hostilities and to engage in a national reconciliation process that will allow
for the transition from relief to reconstruction and development;
6. Calls upon all parties, movements and factions in Somalia to
respect fully the security and safety of personnel of the United Nations and
its specialized agencies and of non-governmental organizations and to
guarantee their complete freedom of movement throughout Somalia;
7. Calls upon the Secretary-General to continue to mobilize
international humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance for
Somalia;
8. Requests the Secretary-General, in view of the critical situation
in Somalia, to take all measures necessary for the implementation of the
present resolution, to apprise the Economic and Social Council at its
substantive session of 1995 of the progress made and to report thereon to the
General Assembly at its fiftieth session.
M
Special assistance to front-line States and other neighbouring States
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 47/163 of 18 December 1992,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 27 October 1994
on special assistance to front-line States and other neighbouring States,
Noting that the front-line States and other neighbouring States of
southern Africa continue to suffer from the adverse economic and social
effects of past acts of destabilization in the region,
Welcoming the strengthening of democratic governance and other recent
positive developments in the region, including the holding of elections and
the installation of a democratic Government in South Africa, the successful
implementation of the General Peace Agreement for Mozambique, signed at Rome
on 4 October 1992, which culminated in the holding of multi-party elections in
that country, as well as the holding of multi-party elections in Malawi and
the restoration of democratic rule in Lesotho,
Also welcoming the recent positive developments which have taken place
in Angola, culminating in the signing of the Lusaka Protocol on 20 November
1994 and the entry into force of the cease-fire on 22 November 1994,
Gravely concerned that drought continues to affect some parts of the
region of southern Africa,
1. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his
efforts regarding assistance to the front-line States and other neighbouring
States;
2. Notes with appreciation the support being rendered to the
front-line States and other neighbouring States by donor countries,
organizations of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations;
3. Also expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General, the
donor countries and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations for
the invaluable assistance they continue to render towards the alleviation of
the serious effects of the continuing drought in the region of southern
Africa;
4. Appeals to the international community to continue to extend
assistance to the front-line States and other neighbouring States of southern
Africa to enable them to overcome the negative consequences of past acts of
destabilization in the region;
5. Strongly urges the international community to continue to provide,
in a timely and effective manner, the financial, material and technical
assistance necessary to enhance the individual and collective capacity of the
front-line States and other neighbouring States in their efforts towards the
reconstruction, rehabilitation and development of their economies;
6. Requests the Secretary-General and organizations and bodies of the
United Nations system to respond to such requests for assistance as may be
made by individual States or the appropriate regional organizations, and urges
all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to respond
favourably to such requests;
7. Welcomes the recent positive political developments in Angola,
Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa;
8. Calls upon the Government of Angola and the National Union for the
Total Independence of Angola to adhere to the provisions of the Lusaka
Protocol;
9. Appeals to all States and appropriate intergovernmental and
non-governmental organizations to support, in the context, inter alia, of the
continuing drought in parts of the region, national and collective emergency
programmes prepared by the front-line States and other neighbouring States to
overcome their critical humanitarian and emergency problems, taking into
account the special circumstances of the most affected countries;
10. Appeals to the international community to extend assistance to the
front-line States and other neighbouring States in their efforts to advance
the process of regional economic integration as envisaged in the Treaty of 17
August 1992 establishing the Southern African Development Community, which now
includes South Africa;
11. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly
at its fifty-first session on the progress made in the implementation of the
present resolution.
N
Assistance to the Palestinian people
The General Assembly,
Recalling Economic and Social Council resolution 1994/29 of 27 July
1994,
Recalling also previous resolutions on the question,
Welcoming the signing at Cairo on 4 May 1994 by the Government of the
State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the representative
of the Palestinian people, of the first implementation agreement of the
Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, namely, the
Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area, and the Agreement on
Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities of 29 August 1994,
Gravely concerned about the difficult economic and employment conditions
facing the Palestinian people throughout the occupied territory,
Conscious of the urgent need for improvement in the economic and social
infrastructure of the occupied territory and the living conditions of the
Palestinian people,
Aware that development is difficult under occupation and best promoted
in circumstances of peace and stability,
Noting, in the light of the recent developments, the great economic and
social challenges facing the Palestinian people and their leadership,
Conscious of the urgent necessity for international assistance to the
Palestinian people, taking into account the Palestinian priorities,
Noting the convening of the United Nations Seminar on Palestinian Trade
and Investment Needs, held at the headquarters of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization from 20 to 22 June 1994,
Welcoming the signing of the agreements between the Palestine Liberation
Organization and the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the
International Labour Organisation,
Stressing the need for the full engagement of the United Nations in the
process of building Palestinian institutions and in providing broad assistance
to the Palestinian people, including assistance in the fields of elections,
police training and public administration,
Noting the appointment by the Secretary-General in June 1994 of a
Special Coordinator in the occupied territories,
Welcoming the results of the Conference to Support Middle East Peace,
convened in Washington on 1 October 1993, and the establishment of the Ad Hoc
Liaison Committee and the work being done by the World Bank as its
secretariat, as well as the establishment of the consultative group,
Welcoming also the results of the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison
Committee on 29 and 30 November 1994 at Brussels,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 19 July 1994,
1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General;
2. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his rapid
response and efforts regarding assistance to the Palestinian people;
3. Also expresses its appreciation to the Member States, United
Nations bodies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that
have provided and continue to provide assistance to the Palestinian people;
4. Stresses the importance of the appointment of the Special
Coordinator in the occupied territories and of the steps taken under the
auspices of the Secretary- General to ensure the achievement of a coordinated
mechanism for United Nations activities throughout the occupied territories;
5. Urges Member States, international financial institutions of the
United Nations system, international intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations and regional and interregional organizations to extend, as
rapidly and as generously as possible, economic and social assistance to the
Palestinian people in order to assist in the development of the West Bank and
Gaza, and to do so in close cooperation with the Palestine Liberation
Organization and through official Palestinian institutions;
6. Calls upon relevant organizations and agencies of the United
Nations system to intensify their assistance in response to the urgent needs
of the Palestinian people in accordance with the Palestinian priorities set
forth by the Palestinian Authority with emphasis on national execution and
capacity-building;
7. Urges Member States to open their markets to exports from the West
Bank and Gaza and on the most favourable terms, consistent with appropriate
trading rules;
8. Calls upon the international donor community to expedite the
delivery of pledged assistance to the Palestinian people to meet their urgent
needs;
9. Suggests the convening in 1995 of a United Nations-sponsored
seminar on Palestinian administrative, managerial and financial needs and
challenges in the light of the new developments;
10. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session, through the Economic and Social Council, on
the implementation of the present resolution, containing:
(a) An assessment of the assistance actually received by the
Palestinian people;
(b) An assessment of the needs still unmet and specific proposals for
responding effectively to them;
11. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fiftieth
session, under the item entitled "Strengthening the coordination of the
humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including
special economic assistance", a sub-item entitled "Assistance to the
Palestinian people".
O
Financing of the Palestinian Police Force
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 49/21 B of 2 December 1994 on the financing of
the Palestinian Police Force,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 6 April 1995 and
his designation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East in pursuance of paragraph 1 of resolution 49/21 B,
1. Requests the Secretary-General to designate once again the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to
disburse, with due attention to the need for thorough accounting, the
voluntary contributions given by donors in light of the activities of the Ad
Hoc Liaison Committee for salaries and other start-up costs of the Palestinian
Police Force, for a period ending not later than 31 December 1995;
2. Encourages all Member States to contribute funds for this purpose
through the Agency;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of
the present resolution.
P
Emergency assistance to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Montserrat and
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 42/169 of 11 December 1987, 43/202 of 20
December 1988, 44/236 of 22 December 1989, 45/185 of 21 December 1990, 46/149
of 18 December 1991, 46/182 of 19 December 1991, 48/188 of 21 December 1993
and 49/22 A of 2 December 1994,
Deeply distressed by the large number of afflicted persons and the
destruction wrought by Hurricane Luis, which on 4 and 5 September 1995
devastated Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis,
and Saint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles),
Conscious of the efforts of the Governments and peoples of Antigua and
Barbuda, Dominica, Montserrat and Saint Kitts and Nevis and the people of
Saint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles) to save lives and alleviate the
sufferings of the victims of Hurricane Luis,
Noting the enormous effort that will be required to alleviate the grave
situation caused by this natural disaster,
Conscious of the prompt response being made by Governments, the bodies
and agencies of the United Nations system, international and regional
agencies, non-governmental organizations and private individuals to provide
relief,
Recognizing that the magnitude of the disaster and its medium-term and
long-term effects will require, as a complement to the efforts being made by
the Governments and peoples of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Montserrat and
Saint Kitts and Nevis and the people of Saint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles),
a demonstration of international solidarity and humanitarian concern to ensure
broad multilateral cooperation in order to meet the immediate emergency
situation in the affected areas and to initiate the process of reconstruction,
1. Expresses its solidarity and support to the Governments and
peoples of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Montserrat and Saint Kitts and Nevis
and the people of Saint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles);
2. Expresses its appreciation to all States of the international
community, international agencies and non-governmental organizations that are
providing emergency relief to the affected countries;
3. Urges all States of the international community, as a matter of
urgency, to contribute generously to the relief, rehabilitation and
reconstruction efforts in the affected countries;
4. Requests the Secretary-General, in collaboration with the
international financial institutions and bodies and agencies of the United
Nations system, to assist the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica,
Montserrat and Saint Kitts and Nevis and the people of Saint Maarten
(Netherlands Antilles) in identifying their medium-term and long-term needs
and in mobilizing resources, as well as to help with the task of
reconstruction of the affected countries undertaken by their respective
Governments;
5. Also requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General
Assembly at its fiftieth session a report on the collaborative effort referred
to in paragraph 4 above and on progress made with the relief, rehabilitation
and reconstruction efforts in the affected countries.