26 July 1990

36th Plenary Meeting

1990/64. Special disaster relief assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 44/242 of 28 June 1990 on emergency assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran,

Recalling also General Assembly resolutions 42/169 of 11 December 1987 on the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, in which the Assembly recognized the importance of reducing the impact of natural disasters for all people, and in particular for developing countries, and 44/236 of 22 December 1989, by which the Assembly proclaimed the beginning of the Decade in 1990,

Recalling further General Assembly resolutions concerning assistance in cases of natural disasters and other emergencies, in particular resolution 2816 (XXVI) of 14 December 1971, by which the Assembly established the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator,

Having heard the statement made by the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Emergency in Northern Iran before the Third (Programme and Co-ordination) Committee on 11 July 1990 on his mission to the Islamic Republic of Iran,

Deeply touched by the large number of casualties and homeless and the extent of devastation caused by the earthquake,

Aware of the remarkable efforts of the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran to save lives and alleviate the suffering of the victims of the earthquake,

Aware also of the enormous efforts required for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas, as well as the importance of international co-operation in that regard,

Noting with appreciation the prompt response of Governments, the United Nations system, voluntary organizations and individuals in providing emergency relief assistance to the victims of the earthquake,

1. Expresses its solidarity with and support for the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this tragic situation;

2. Expresses its gratitude to the States, international organizations and agencies that provided or are providing relief assistance;

3. Commends the prompt decision of the Secretary-General in appointing a Special Representative for the Emergency in Northern Iran and expresses appreciation for his efforts in mobilizing and co-ordinating international assistance;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to intensify his endeavours to mobilize every possible assistance to help the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran in their efforts towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the stricken areas;

5. Appeals to all Governments, specialized agencies and organizations of the United Nations system, as well as to voluntary organizations, to provide the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran with all possible assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the stricken areas;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to include in his report to the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session an assessment of the damage and the requirements for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.