Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 18/08/2010
Jeddah, 18th August 2010 BISMILLAHI AR RAHMANI ARAHIMI ASSALAMOU ALAYKOUM WA RAHMATOU ALLAH WA BARAKATOU Mr. Chairman, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, We are all gathered here today following a request made by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to convene an emergency meeting of the OIC Permanent Representatives to express our support, solidarity and sympathy to the Government and people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the tragic floods disaster to be witnessed in Pakistan since 1929. Indeed, as we gather today to demonstrate our solidarity to Pakistan, seeking ways and means of extending meaningful and active support, more than 1,600 people have lost their lives; 25 million people have been affected by the consequences of this daunting phenomenon; 3.5 million children are threatened by disease and hunger, and above all, huge areas of agricultural land and a sizeable amount of crops have been lost, and more 700,000 houses have been destroyed. You will undoubtedly agree with me that the situation is very precarious and unprecedented in modern history, compared to the Tsunami in Indonesia, the Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, Hurricane Katrina in the US and even the Pakistan earthquake of 2005. That simply means that we are faced with a disaster of gigantic proportions which requires colossal resources to be tackled. Pakistan alone is unable to overcome this challenge of great magnitude, and indeed, no other country would be able to face such calamity single-handedly. During these difficult times, Pakistan deserves our aid, comfort, understanding and action, to manage the consequences of the disaster. The floods victims cannot wait any longer. We have to act instantly and decide on the best way forward to support Pakistan which has been struck by the effects of global warming and climate change. Indeed, the Islamic World is paying a heavy price, resulting from the negative repercussions of climate change. Hence, it is high time to initiate collective efforts towards innovative policies by devising early warning systems, contingency and consequence management plans as well as financial mechanisms to address future calamities. However, I must confess that the OIC General Secretariat confronts an uphill task in addressing natural disasters occurring in our midst. Since the appeal made by the Government of Pakistan, the General Secretariat has not remained idle but has played a pivotal role in advocacy and awareness to mobilise resources of the Ummah both from Government and civil society. In this connection, the General Secretariat has so far made three appeals to the OIC Member States, its civil society and the international community at large, to come forward to assist Pakistan and its people. On the 4th August 2010, all Member States were contacted and availed a list of humanitarian needs for the floods victims. This action was followed by my flash appeal for financial and material contributions in favour of Pakistan, and a window was opened on the OIC website to create more awareness among our community and the public in general. Recently, I conferred with the Consul General of Pakistan and exchanged at length, the best ways and means of finding a common Islamic approach to this catastrophe. I also held a meeting with all senior staff of the General Secretariat on the issue of Pakistan and I informed them about my decision to visit the country in the near future at the head of a high-level delegation. Likewise, I have decided to send a joint fact finding mission comprising of OIC, IDB and ISF to Pakistan, to assess the situation in the field and come up with a strategic plan, both in the areas of emergency delivery and reconstruction following large scale destruction. I also would like to inform you that a high level meeting of all Red Crescent Societies and interested NGOs will be held in Pakistan to focus on the serious humanitarian situation prevailing in Pakistan. I therefore invite all Member States to send high level delegations to this important gathering which will come up with a plan of action for Pakistan. Mr. Chairman, Dear colleagues, At this juncture, I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the OIC Member States which have come forward and extended a helping hand to Pakistan. I would also like to laud the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud who has taken generous steps to assist the Government and people of Pakistan in their hour of need. My thanks further go to Qatar, the UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia, IDB and many others for extending relief assistance to Pakistan. I therefore call upon the rest of the Member States and institutions to join in this humanitarian campaign. However, despite all these efforts and good intentions, we have to be frank with ourselves and strive towards promoting sustainable systems and tools geared towards mitigating the impact of disasters on our populations and countries as a whole. Indeed, due to climate change and subsequent negative consequences on our respective countries, we should transform the OIC so as to prepare it to resolutely meet the humanitarian challenges ahead. To this end, the OIC has to be strategically equipped with the necessary means to carry out its humanitarian duty as provided for in the newly adopted Charter, the TYPOA and the 2005 Makkah and 2008 Dakar Summit Declarations. We must seriously consider setting up an OIC Emergency Disaster Response Fund which will be at the forefront, whenever an emergency crisis occurs in our community. I must admit that it is more than disheartening whenever I am approached by a Member State in dire need of humanitarian assistance and help, to admit my helplessness as a Secretary General to provide any meaningful assistance. I am however confident that this unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Pakistan will be an eye-opener for all of us on the vital need to act collectively and pool our resources to efficiently address disasters in the Islamic World. Finally, I am optimistic that this emergency meeting will come up with concrete and efficient measures aimed at tackling these ever growing daunting challenges. Before concluding my remarks, allow me to reiterate my heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Pakistan and express my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wish speedy recovery to those wounded. I look forward to joining our forces to further assist our Pakistani brothers and sisters. Obviously, we need to do more as the holy month of Ramadan guides us to share selflessly and sacrifice for the people in distress. I thank you all for your kind attention and support. WASSALAMOU ALAYKOUM WA RAHMATOU ALLAH WA BARAKATOU
