Riyadh

26 February 2018

Secretary-General's video message to Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum

António Guterres, Secretary-General

I thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for organizing this forum.
 
With humanitarian needs higher than ever, we must do more to assist the most vulnerable and ensure the protection of civilians.  
 
Crises in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Libya and the occupied Palestinian territory are causing horrendous suffering.  
 
Yet humanitarians face numerous obstacles, including life-threatening ones, reaching people in need.
 
Humanitarian action works, and timely action is crucial.  Last year, the international community helped to avert famine in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and north-eastern Nigeria.
 
Support by donors made the difference between life and death.
 
I call on global and local leaders, Governments and people everywhere to show solidarity with all those caught up in conflict, disaster or instability. 
 
Thank you.