“The increased occurrence of disasters in the regions not only threatens to roll back hard earned development gains, but also the achievement of the development goals. In respect to the core responsibilities related to natural disasters and climate change, it is the prime responsibility of the governments as humanitarian actors to serve the vulnerable members of the society, especially, women, children and elderly, who are in need of assistance. In thıs regard, Sri Lanka is committed to reaching out these vulnerable group members in tımes of crises” stated Minister Nimal Siriplala de Silva, Minister of Transport who lead the Sri Lanka delegation to the First World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), held in Istanbul, Turkey on 24th May 2016.
Minister de Silva, participating at the Summit representing President Maithripala Sirisena, stated that the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s “Agenda for Humanity” provides a strategic framework to prevent the humanitarian crisis and mitigate the effects. However, he stressed that action to implement the core responsibilities articulated in the WHS, should be aligned with the UN Development agenda, especially the core principles and objectives that countries have already committed to Addis Ababa Action for Financing for Development, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Paris Conference on Climate Change.
In his speech, the Minister also highlighted the success achieved by Sri Lanka in overcoming the humanitarian situation caused by Tsunami and the effects of an armed conflict. He credited this achievement to the collective support received from all stakeholders. However, he also emphasised on the changes in our approach that is essential to act early on identified risks.
Minister de Silva also participated at the Special Session on Global Health held at the WHS as a special invitee. Speaking at this session, he stated that frequency and the scale of humanitarian crises that have been occurring in the world in the recent years, have caught national healthcare sectors under-prepared and under-resourced to respond to them effectively.
While acknowledging the limitations of national capacities and capabilities in addressing health issues in the face humanitarian crises, the Minister stressed on the development of national, regional and global preparedness through policy actions if countries are to respond swiftly and effectively to health challenges in times of crisis. In this respect, he suggested that efforts to address crisis-related health issues must be done proactively by establishing sustainable programs aimed at strengthening of health systems in order to achieve crisis-preparedness and resilience.
The Minister further detailed that at the national level, this would require assisting national healthcare systems to be better equipped to monitor, prevent and prepare for health crises, by increasing their resources and building capacities. At the international level, urgent measures are required to strengthen international coordination and cooperation with regard to information and knowledge sharing, providing technical assistance, and putting in place solid financing arrangements to assist national health systems and to promote medical research.
In addition to representing Sri Lanka at the World Humanitarian Summit , Minister de Silva also tabled a statement on behalf of Group of 15 (G15) which Sri Lanka currently holds the chairmanship.
The First World Humanitarian Summit was an initiative first proposed by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, in January 2012 to ensure countries , organisations and relief workers come together to address global humanitarian crisis and was based on five commitments given below;
1.Global leadership to prevent and end conflict
2. Uphold the norms that safeguard the humanity
3.Leave no one behind
4.Change people’s lives: from delivering aid to ending need
5. Invest in humanity
Leaders and delegates from around 175 countries attended the two day Summit. According to the organizers, more than 3500 participants including government officials, members of the business community, representatives of INOs and NGOs, Civil Society organisations, media and representatives of the affected countries and communities have attended and made the Humanitarian Summit a platform to voice their concerns, share their experiences and to commit towards a better mechanism to address the humanitarian issues.
Sri Lanka Embassy
Ankara
26 May 2016
Statements of the Minister follow below:-
Statement by Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, MP. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation
for the First World Humanitarian Summit, Istanbul, Turkey, 23- 24 May 2016
Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentleman,
At the outset, please allow me to convey my good wishes, on behalf His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka to the First World Humanitarian Summit host, Turkey for their invitation and the warm hospitality.
We as a global society, have made a huge advancement in development, commerce, technology, knowledge and in many other fields, thanks to the globalised connectivity that we enjoy today. Nonetheless, recognising the disparity in our advancement as a global society, World Leaders last year came together to set new targets to achieve minimum standard for society by endorsing the Sustainable Development Goals, a follow-up to the Millennium Development Goals .
In pursuing the task of SDG, countries have come across various challenges due to a number of factors, and among them, we consider humanitarian crisis that is created by man-made and natural disasters hold a vital share for exacting colossal human and economic toll. Therefore, the convening of this prestigious platform reflects our shared concern to disaster risk reduction, especially in light of recent disasters that has befallen in the world.
As you are aware, due to the extreme torrential rains and weather conditions that Sri Lanka currently has been experiencing this month, there have been flooding and landslides that have now affected over 225 Divisions in twenty-two of our Districts. This situation has resulted in nearly half a million being displaced and over two billion US dollar loss to properties. I understand that the rainfalls in the country recorded over the past week, has been the highest since 1992. Sri Lanka is thankful for the countries who have sent the messages of sympathy and extended their support for relief measures.
Therefore, my delegation considers that the deliberations we envisage at this conference are more relevant and timely, and the conclusion we arrive at this forum will guide us to take necessary measures through a collective decision to prevent and end suffering of many victims. In this respect, my delegation assures you, Mr. Chairman, our fullest support and cooperation in guiding the deliberations of this Forum to a fruitful conclusion.
Mr. Chairman,
We find that Secretary General’s Agenda for Humanity provides a strategic framework to prevent and mitigate the humanitarian crisis. We believe that our action to implement the core responsibilities should be aligned with the UN Charter and the core principles and objectives that countries have already committed to achieve through the Sustainable Development Goals.
As you are aware in the past, Sri Lanka faced the brunt of a devastating Tsunami disaster and the severe impact of a thirty year armed conflict. The country overcame the humanitarian situation caused by Tsunami and the armed conflict effectively, and restored normalcy. Sri Lanka succeeded in handling immediate post conflict challenges by takıng swift actıon such as resettling of IDP’s, restoring livelihood and initiating reconstruction. This was possible due to the collective support of government agencies, bilateral development partners, civil societies, and UN and International Organizations.
Following the election of President Maithripala Sirisena in last January 2015, the government has embarked on strengthening good governance, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The new government has also set its agenda for bringing economic development, judicial reforms and fighting corruption. The government has given high priority to achieve reconciliation and lasting peace in the country. Further, the Parliament has been made as the constitutional body for the purpose of adopting a new constitution. The new government’s engagement with International Partners and UN has also taken a new dimension, including our cooperation with Human Rights Council.
The increased occurrence of disasters in the region not only threatens to roll back hard earned development gains, but the achievement of the development goals in the region. In respect to the core responsibilities related to natural disasters and climate change, we consider that it is the prime responsibility of the governments as humanitarian actors to serve the vulnerable members of the society, especially, women, children and elderly, who are in need of assistance. In thıs regard, Sri Lanka is committed to reaching out these vulnerable group members ın tımes of crısıs.
Further, it is paramount that the changes in approach is identified and act early on the identified risks as a concerted international effort. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change are critical to reduce disaster risks which support the sustainable development process and targets of this Humanitarian Summit.
This International Summit can further foster our efforts to mitigate and adapt in a constructive manner setting action to achieve the ambitious targets. This requires joining hands internationally to link humanitarian activities with long term development. This can be further strengthened by reinforcing the national and local actors, while bringing reforms to the existing humanitarian systems.
Mr. Chairman, as our commitment, Sri Lanka has;
- Initiated development of a Preparedness and Contingency Plan for vulnerable districts and villages that are prone to natural hazards by 2020.
- GOSL has increased annual budget for Disaster Risk Reduction over the past five years, 0.65% in 2014, and hoping to further increase the commitment to 1% within the next three years.
- GoSL has established a Catastrophic Disaster Draw Down Option up to LKRS 102 Million in 2014, which is a financial tool to support the frontline response without interruption. In this context, Sri Lanka is committed to establish a fund to support the recovery programmes in the future.
- Sri Lanka has activated an insurance scheme to cover disasters caused by natural hazards under the Ministry of Disaster Management in 2016. The government has committed to bear a greater share of this scheme for the amount LKRS 300 Million (USD $ 2 Million) as the annual premium. The total amount of the insurance scheme would be LKRS. 10 Billion (USD $ 71 Million), of which has been allocated for emergency relief expenses. Furthermore, 85% of the total Scheme is reserved to cover property and content damages. The scheme further provides an accidental death cover for the victims of disaster and loss of life of fishermen when engaged in fishing.
- Has established a Development Policy Loan as a contingent Line of Credit with the World Bank as a disaster risk financing strategy. Sri Lanka will continue to explore the possibility of establishing a recovery fund to support major disasters.
- As a regional initiative, Sri Lanka has entered into an Agreement with SAARC to establish a Task Force to respond to disasters. As a response to this initiative, Sri Lanka already took part in search and rescue operations in major earthquakes in Japan and Nepal in the recent past.
- Sri Lanka will continue to facilitate the international obligations in disaster responses.
In pursuing our goals, we also look forward to have greater cooperation and support from our development partners for the implementations of the national strategies, priorities and needs with respect to building resilience, mitigation and adaptation.
Sri Lanka hopes this Summit will be able to come out with new ideas to ensure on how local, national, regional and international stakeholders can meet new challenges brought about by disasters and climate change.
Thank You.
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Statement by
Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva
Minister of Transport and Aviation of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Special Session on Global Health
World Humanitarian Summit
Istanbul, 23-24 May 2016
Mr. Chairman,
At the outset, I wish to thank you for inviting Sri Lanka to participate at the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, and in particular, at this Special Session on Global Health and express our gratitude for the warm hospitality.
Health is undoubtedly one of the most fundamental needs of mankind, upon which the existence and continuation of humanity hinges. Providing universal health coverage for all, especially for vulnerable and needy people, has been one of the main objectives of the Millennium Development Goals, a principle that has been deservedly reinforced in the Sustainable Development Goals. While ensuring basic health conditions for all remains a fundamental principle, we also recognize the interconnectivity and synergies that exist among the SDG goals. Therefore, we believe, our long-term approach both at national and international levels to address health issues should be through dealing with the SDG goals in tandem, and in a holistic manner.
Mr. Chairman,
We are aware that despite the paramount importance attached to basic health, preserving and protecting the health of all people continues to face increasing threats and challenges today, raising serious concerns regarding the adequacy of national and international capabilities to respond to urgent health needs.
The relationship between health and humanitarian crises can be considered two-fold. On the one hand, diseases that progress into epidemics and pandemics could generate humanitarian crises that transcend national boundaries, as witnessed in the recent outbreaks of the Ebola virus disease and the Zika virus infection.
On the other hand, people who are already affected by humanitarian crises caused by non-health factors such as natural disasters and armed conflict, face increased risks and vulnerabilities pertaining to health, that are aggravated by mass displacement and environmental changes.
The frequency and the scale of these types of humanitarian crises occurred in the world in recent years, have caught national healthcare sectors under-prepared and under-resourced to respond to them effectively, and has highlighted the urgent need for a review of the existing international health care support structures.
We recognize the limitations of national capacities and capabilities in addressing health issues in the face humanitarian crises, which require the development of national, regional and global preparedness through policy actions. In this respect, we welcome the Secretary General’s High Level Panel Report on Protecting Humanity from Future Health Crises that lays out a clear strategic framework as a possible response.
In this backdrop, we commend the timely initiative taken by the United Nations to convene this important forum, and thank the Republic of Turkey for graciously hosting the event. It is our view that this global discourse on health, with special emphasis on health in the context of humanitarian crisis, is being held at a time when the world is in acute need of a more collaborative and focused response towards addressing the worsening health risks and crises.
Mr. Chairman,
Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the Community of Nations unanimously adopted last year, seeks ‘to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages’. This mandates, amongst others, that we preserve and protect the health of the large number of people who are affected by humanitarian crises in different parts of the world.
In this respect, it is our considered view that efforts to address crisis-related health issues must shift their focus from providing short-term, immediate relief, to more long term and sustained programs aimed at strengthening and developing health support systems to achieve crisis-preparedness.
At the national level, this would require assisting national healthcare systems to be better equipped to monitor, prevent and prepare for health crises, by increasing their resources and building capacities. At the international level, urgent measures are required to strengthen international coordination and cooperation in respect to information and knowledge sharing, providing technical assistance, and putting in place solid financing arrangements to assist national health systems and to promote medical research.
Mr. Chairman,
My country has, within a short span of time, experienced two large-scale humanitarian situations in the form of the 2004 Tsunami and the armed conflict that lasted nearly 30 years. These crises left thousands maimed, sick, and displaced, demanding immediate and concerted responses from the national healthcare system.
It was the high standards of healthcare that Sri Lanka had already achieved through its government-funded, free healthcare system, consisting of a comprehensive network of health institutions, referral mechanisms and trained community health personnel, that enabled us to successfully withstand the health threats posed by these crises.
Thus, when the Tsunami struck in 2004, Sri Lanka’s health sector could, due to our investment in the health sector, help us to cope with the massive crisis. Sri Lanka, whilst catering to the needs of the affected communities, was able to rebuild 97 health institutions in 11 districts. The crisis also highlighted the deficiency in the national coordination among various services, as health issues cannot be viewed in isolation during humanitarian crises.
Our experience has led to the creation of a Disaster Management Ministry and the strengthening of the function of the National Disaster Management Center so as to coordinate among various agencies and actors on all aspects of disaster. The Tsunami humanitarian crisis also highlighted the deficiency in administrative and logistical areas, especially in emergency preparedness, forensic laboratory facilities, storage network, psychosocial support, and international coordination. I am glad to state that the lesson learnt from the post Tsunami period has helped to improve most of these deficiencies.
Similarly, throughout the armed conflict until its end in 2009, the national healthcare system stood ready and resilient, providing comprehensive health services to displaced populations.
Mr. Chairman,
The reasons for our successful handling of both disaster scenarios, especially in the context of the health sector, could be attributed to Sri Lanka’s investment in the health care system, which showed strong resilience in serving people during times of crisis.
Further, the government institutions forged effective partnerships with UN bodies, the corporate sector, non-government organizations and the community, and worked together in addressing victim’s need as the priority.
We also found that cooperation and coordination at regional and international levels is essential to face such calamities and to manage crises, since national level systems could not cope with these crises alone. I believe that we need to exploit existing regional frameworks positively, as they could come together to assist national structures to deal with humanitarian crisis.
Learning from these disasters, Sri Lanka has also developed a small contingent of search and rescue and a medical contingent that could be deployed at short notice within the region. Recently, this contingent was deployed in Japan and in Nepal after the earthquake disasters that occurred in these countries.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, it is our firm belief that developing and strengthening national healthcare systems in times of normalcy is essential, if we are to respond swiftly and effectively to health challenges relating to humanitarian crises. Such systems should have the flexibility and the robustness to draw support from a wide range of actors including the civil society, the media and international organizations.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
