Addis Ababa, August 18, 2015 (SPS) - The Permanent Representative to the AU and Ambassador in Ethiopia, Mr. Lamine Baali, has indicated that there are complex humanitarian concerns which require attention and support, praising, in the same regard, decline of poverty rates in many countries of the continent.
Speaking in his capacity as the Chairperson of the PRC Sub-Committee on Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons on Tuesday, the Saharawi diplomat said Africa is witnessing natural and human induced misfortunes that create and exacerbate fragility in its societies.
“The civilian population continues to bear the brunt of the conflicts, natural disasters, and diseases which result in loss of lives, insecurity, disruption of livelihood, mass displacement, migration and refugee crisis and other related catastrophes,” underlined Mr. Lamine Baali.
Despite such challenges though, added the diplomat, we have witnessed the decline of poverty rates in many countries and there is now than ever before the positive aspirations and tangible signs that the continent is on the rise.
He also highlighted that Committee has already embarked on initiatives which will make Africa active and visible in the rapidly changing global humanitarian architecture.
“Through the Common African Position on Humanitarian Effectiveness we strive for a humanitarian system that is more relevant for the humanitarian challenges facing Africa,” he stated.
Following the complete text of the remarks by H. E. AMBASSADOR LAMINE BAALI, CHAIRPERSON OF PRC SUB-COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES, RETURNEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE COMMEMORATION OF THE WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY AND AFRICAN HUMANITARIAN WEEK
“17 August 2015
African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Your Excellency Commissioner for Political Affairs
Excellency Ambassador,
Distinguished Heads of UN Agencies and Partner organizations
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am pleased to welcome you all on behalf of the PRC Sub-Committee on Refugees, Returnees and IDPs to the annual celebration of the African Humanitarian week which is observed every year on 19th August as the World Humanitarian Day. During the week-long celebration, we focus on celebrating encouraging attainments over humanitarian challenges; as well as promoting prevailing humanitarian issues throughout Africa. We will also mark the week by remembering the people affected by catastrophic natural and human induced crisis within and beyond the continent. The African Humanitarian week will also pay tribute to all those who continue to gallantly render humanitarian services and honour the lives lost during the cause of duty.
This year the World Humanitarian day is celebrated under the theme of Inspire the World’s Humanity. We ask ourselves ‘How do we Inspire humanity?’ We often find ourselves overwhelmed by catastrophic tragedies or captivated by endless news of calamities across the world, which dampen our spirits and optimism on the world and on humankind. Yet it does not require much to inspire and revitalise people. Let us look back and see what we have achieved, appreciate the current accomplishments across Africa despite the endless challenges and desolation we face.
We will also inspire humanity when we support each other, nurture the mortality within us and revitalise our benevolent nature. I believe, regardless of our differences it is our humanity which compels, connects and urges us to help one another and motivate and sustain us to engage in humanitarian work. This will allow us to see the good in the world and energize our people, to continue to work as humanitarians and contribute our share in the betterment of our continent and the world at large. It is with such essence that we will celebrate the World Humanitarian Day and the African Humanitarian Week.
Excellences,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
As we all know today in Africa there are complex humanitarian concerns which require our attention and support. Both natural and human induced misfortunes create and exacerbate fragility in our societies. The civilian population continues to bear the brunt of the conflicts, natural disasters, and diseases which result in loss of lives, insecurity, disruption of livelihood, mass displacement, migration and refugee crisis and other related catastrophes. And we almost always see that the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people disproportionately face immense suffering.
Despite such challenges though, we have witnessed the decline of poverty rates in many countries and there is now than ever before the positive aspirations and tangible signs that the continent is on the rise. These and other notable developments in various arenas should not make us complacent but rather allow us to learn from the past to inspire and galvanize our efforts and strife for more inclusive and sustainable achievements.
It is with such aspirations and vigour that we have embarked on initiatives which will make Africa active and visible in the rapidly changing global humanitarian architecture. Through our Common African Position on Humanitarian Effectiveness we strive for a humanitarian system that is more relevant for the humanitarian challenges facing Africa.
Excellences,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
As we celebrate the African Humanitarian week and beyond let us acknowledge our achievements, inspire and encourage each other; constantly honour, remember and revisit our shared values and normative frameworks, and most of all remember all those people who are affected and those who survive disasters and conflicts. Let us also celebrate all humanitarian workers who serve others in distress selflessly and without hesitation to the dangers they put themselves in, in order to help others. Join me therefore to also congratulate all the health workers that braved EBOLA even to the point of death!!! Most of all let us remember and commit that No matter how rough and uncomfortable the road, we shall never forego our responsibilities as human beings and as humanitarians.
I thank you all for your attention. (SPS)
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