Statement of the Republic of Estonia at the High Level Segment of the 65th Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme on Enhancing International Cooperation, Solidarity, Local Capacities and Humanitarian Action for Refugees in Africa September 29, 2014 Geneva, Palais des Nations
Mr. Chair,
Mr. High Commissioner,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
First, let me thank Mr. Chair and the High Commissioner for their commendable leadership and their support for organizing the debate and to all the key-note speakers for their insightful reflections and remarks. Estonia fully aligns itself with the statement made by the EU.
Africa is huge, diverse, full of great enthusiastic people, untouched nature and huge economic potential. The last decade has seen many African countries enjoy both political stability and sustained economic growth. However, besides booming economies there are countries with serious conflict situations such as South Sudan, Central African Republic, DRC, Mali, Sudan and Somalia. Violence has paralyzed the conflict-ridden countries, caused complex displacement situations that put great pressure also on the neighbouring countries due to influx of refugees. Unfortunately, these emergencies are unfolding alongside protracted displacement crises that have put progress towards durable solutions at risk. We thank the UNHCR’s continued effort to follow-up on comprehensive solutions strategies in several African countries.
The primary responsibility to address humanitarian situations and protection of its people lies with the governments. However it is clear that the worst hit countries need all the help available. Estonia commends the UNHCR for focusing on building national capacities for effective refugee response. We find this work substantial. Moreover, the help of the international community is most useful if it is well targeted and closely coordinated.
Considering that almost every third internally displaced person lives in Africa, we strongly commend the entry into force of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa. The so called Kampala Convention is the first ever legally binding instrument on protection for the rights and well-being of those forced to flee inside their home countries. We encourage more states to sign and ratify the convention and those states that have ratified to incorporate it into domestic law.
Mr. Chair,
Estonia will continue to observe the monitoring of the human rights situation in Africa, with special focus on the most vulnerable, the women and children. The protection and promotion of women’s rights is one of Estonia’s humanitarian and development aid priorities. Therefore, we note with serious concern that sexual violence has been used to force internal and cross-border displacement in many places and that women and children are targeted both inside and outside refugee and IDP’s camps and settlements. We commend the UNHCR for placing particular emphasis on strengthening its response in emergencies by improving knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation of the SGBV data. Estonia also confirms its commitment to ending impunity and fighting sexual violence through its financial contributions in this field.
We appreciate the UNHCR’s response to acute and protracted situations of forced displacement and commend the excellent humanitarian work of the UNHCR staff. Estonia has reacted to forced displacement situations in Africa by allocating bilaterally funds via UNHCR, UNIFEC and ICRC with a particular focus on South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Moreover, being a strong supporter of the multilateral humanitarian action, Estonia directs funds to the World Bank’s International Development Association and supports the humanitarian action of the European Union.
Over the last months we follow with deep concern the speed and extent to which the Ebola virus spreads in Western Africa. Estonia has reacted to the alarming situation in Ebola hit countries by donating funds (100 000 EUR) via the WHO and the special multi-partner trust fund to stop the spread of the virus. Furthermore, an Estonian doctor is participating as a member of the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team on a mission to Monrovia in Liberia, to support international coordination for stopping the spread of the disease.
Mr. Chair,
We are concerned by the gravity and complexity of the forced displacement situations in the African continent. Therefore, let me assure you that Estonia is determined to continue to provide support in the spirit of international burden-sharing, working in coordination with the concerned States, humanitarian organizations and civil society.
Thank you!