17 May 1984

Meeting 15

Emergency assistance to the drought victims in Ethiopia

The Economic and Social Council,

Having heard the statement made by the Commissioner for Relief and Rehabilitation of Ethiopia concerning the critical food situation in the drought-affected regions of Ethiopia,

Deeply disturbed at the gravity of the food situation and the prospect of mass starvation as a result of the drought that has affected the entire country recently,

Aware that a lasting solution to the problem of drought and environmental degradation can best be reached through regional and subregional co-operation as envisaged for the East African subregion in General Assembly resolution 35/90 of 5 December 1980 and Economic and Social Council resolution 1983/46 of 28 July 1983,

Recognizing, however, that, as a result of the unprecedented drought affecting the entire country, an emergency situation has arisen which requires prompt attention,

Noting with appreciation the continued efforts made by the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Food Programme and other organs and organizations of the United Nations system, as well as the invaluable support of non-governmental organizations,

Noting further that, despite the generous assistance offered to the Government of Ethiopia by Member States, organs and organizations of the United Nations system and voluntary agencies, enormous difficulties of relief and rehabilitation still persist,

1. Takes note of the statement made by the Commissioner for Relief and Rehabilitation of Ethiopia on the extremely critical food situation in the drought-affected regions of Ethiopia;

2. Expresses its concern at the difficulties that confront the Government of Ethiopia as a result of the unprecedented drought;

3. Notes with appreciation the response made thus far by the international community, organs and organizations of the United Nations system and voluntary agencies to assist the victims of the drought in Ethiopia;

4. Appeals to Governments of Member States, organs and organizations of the United Nations system, governmental and non-governmental organizations and all voluntary agencies to intensify and increase urgently their assistance to the Government of Ethiopia for emergency relief and rehabilitation for the victims of the drought, as well as for the recovery of the drought-affected areas of Ethiopia;

5. Decides to keep the matter under review.