Statement by
Shuli Davidovich
Counsellor
19 July 2011
Thank you, Mr. President.
Israel believes that humanitarian assistance is a vital aspect of the United Nation’s work. The theme of this year’s humanitarian affairs segment is especially apt considering the great challenges that we face. Given the changing world around us, it is clear that all stakeholders will have to work in partnership to strengthen the coordination of humanitarian assistance.
For instance, as the international community celebrated the Republic of South Sudan’s independence last week, it emphasized the need for many actors to assist this new nation in building up a robust society and economy. Similar collaboration will be required in the horn of Africa, where a severe draught threatens more than 10 million people.
Israel is committed to partnering in the delivery of humanitarian aid. Following the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, an Israel Defense Forces team of medical specialists, search and rescue experts, and communications personnel were deployed to the area of Minamisanriku for two weeks and treated more than 220 patients. The team brought with them an aid shipment of essential items, including 10,000 coats, 6,000 blankets, 8,000 pairs of gloves and 150 portable toilets.
This panel discussion is of particular interest to Israel because our aid efforts seek to address the long-term impact of humanitarian disasters. This philosophy is reflected in our humanitarian effort in Haiti. Within three days after the tragic earthquake, Israel rapidly constructed and operated a field hospital in Port-Au-Prince, which treated 1,111 patients, performed 317 surgeries, and delivered 16 babies.
We have remained engaged in Haiti to assist it recover, build capacity, and strengthen its resilience. To this end, the Israeli government is engaged in a joint venture with the Office of the Haitian Prime Minister and the Haitian Ministry of Health to build trauma unit at the Hospital Justinien in Cap-Haïtien. This center will offer high-quality medical care for trauma and other emergency medical needs – and provide important surge capacity in the unfortunate case of future disasters.
In addition to supporting the construction of this trauma unit, the Government of Israel will provide the medical equipment and specialized training for hospital staff that will be necessary to operate this unique center.
Mr. President,
Let me conclude by reiterating that Israel supports the work of humanitarian affairs in the United Nations. We will continue to offer and assist in humanitarian aid wherever there is need.
Thank you, Mr. President.