Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
on the floods in Pakistan

In response to the tragic flood disaster in Pakistan, the Secretary-General has asked his Special Envoy for Assistance to Pakistan, Jean-Maurice Ripert, to travel to the country as soon as possible. Mr. Ripert will arrive in Pakistan tomorrow. He will join the United Nations Country Team already engaged in the relief operations and jointly assess the situation with the UN team and Pakistani agencies on the ground. The Special Envoy, along with the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, will help mobilise support from the international community to assist the Government of Pakistan in addressing the urgent, immediate needs of the population in the affected areas and in planning for the early recovery and reconstruction period. The Special Envoy will report to the Secretary-General on the situation and the ongoing relief efforts.