New York [US]December 7 (ANI): India on Tuesday said it remains concerned about the deterioration in global food security exacerbated by the war in Ukraine that has entered its tenth month.
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Ravindra made these remarks at the UN General Assembly on the theme “Strengthening the Coordination of UN Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, including Special Economic Assistance”.
“Sweden and India remain particularly concerned about the deterioration of global food security exacerbated by the war in Ukraine,” Ambassador Ravindra said in a joint statement on behalf of India and Sweden.
India and Sweden fully support the Black Sea Grain Initiative and welcome its 120-day extension, announced on November 17, which means exports of Ukrainian grain, food and fertilizers can continue from Black Sea ports, he said.
Ravindra noted that India has exported more than 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to countries in need, including to Afghanistan, Myanmar, to help low-income countries fight price hikes and food shortages.
“The humanitarian system makes a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people every day. It gives help to the people who suffer the most. And it saves lives in some of the worst places around the world. But we must make sure that 2023 is not the year that breaks the system. This is a shared responsibility,” he said.
The Indian diplomat also noted the latest Global Humanitarian Overview report, which illustrates in detail the humanitarian challenges the world is facing now.
Last week, the UN and partner organizations said the estimated cost of the UN’s humanitarian response into 2023 is $51.5 billion, a 25 percent increase compared to the start of this year.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), next year will set another record for humanitarian aid needs, with 339 million people in need of assistance in 69 countries, an increase of 65 million people compared to the same time. last year.
“As pointed out by the Secretary-General, 2022 has been a year of extremes. The conflicts and tensions around the world have triggered unprecedented challenges to global food and energy security. The Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters such as floods and climate change continue to cause and exacerbate humanitarian emergencies,” he said.
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative said the 2023 Global Humanitarian Overview calls for US$51.5 billion to provide life-saving support to 230 million of the most vulnerable people. “This is a formidable challenge for the entire international community, and one that we cannot afford to play down.” Ravindra raised concerns about violence against humanitarian workers in armed conflicts and the persistent lack of funding for humanitarian appeals remains a challenge.
“Today, funding for the humanitarian system depends on too few donors. Currently, ten donors provide 90 percent of humanitarian funding. This is not sustainable,” he added. (ANI)
Source: sn.dk
