12 May 1989

9th plenary meeting

Emergency assistance to Djibouti

The Economic and Social Council,

Deeply concerned at the extensive damage and devastation in Djibouti caused by unprecedented torrential rain and floods in April 1989,

Extremely concerned that thousands of dwellings were destroyed, especially in populated areas, and that a major portion of the nation's infrastructure has been affected, in particular roads, water supplies, health centres, hospitals, schools and other public services,

Considering the severe damage sustained by the limited agricultural resources of Djibouti, including the destruction of its livestock,

Noting that these serious problems have compounded the already existing burden created by the presence of thousands of refugees and displaced persons in the country,

Aware of the efforts made by the Government and the people of Djibouti to save lives and alleviate the sufferings of the 150,000 disaster victims,

Noting the enormous effort that will be required by Djibouti, which is a least developed country, to alleviate the grave situation caused by this natural calamity and to promote lasting and permanent solutions, such as programmes for rehabilitation and reconstruction, particularly those pertaining to the urban development works of the city of Djibouti,

Noting with gratitude the support provided in emergency relief assistance by several countries and governmental and non-governmental organizations,

1. Expresses its solidarity with the Government and the people of Djibouti in facing the devastating consequences of the torrential rains and floods;

2. Expresses its gratitude to the States and international institutions and non-governmental organizations that have rendered emergency relief assistance to the country;

3. Calls upon all States to contribute generously to the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Djibouti;

4. Requests the Secretary-General, in co-operation with international financial institutions and organizations of the United Nations system, not only to help the Government of Djibouti to strengthen its capacity to assess, predict and mitigate natural disasters, but also to assist in identifying and meeting its medium- and long-term needs, particularly with regard to its plans and programmes for rehabilitation and reconstruction;

5. Also requests the Secretary-General to apprise the Economic and Social Council at its second regular session of 1989 of his efforts and to report to the General Assembly at its forty-fourth session on the implementation of the present resolution.