Nepal: Strengthening emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in response to the devastating effects of the earthquake in Nepal (A/69/L.66)

Sixty-ninth session
Agenda item 69 (c)

Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and
disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including
special economic assistance: special economic assistance
to individual countries or regions

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 46/182 of 19 December 1991 and all other resolutions on the strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian emergency assistance of the United Nations, as well as all its resolutions on international cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters from relief to development, and all other relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council,

Expressing sincere condolences and deep sympathy to the victims, their families and the people of Nepal and neighbouring countries which suffered huge losses of life as a result of the earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April and its powerful aftershocks,

Deeply concerned by the extremely difficult condition of affected people requiring assistance, in particular the mo st vulnerable and those in hard-to-reach areas isolated from communication and transportation networks,

Mindful of the massive destruction caused to the people, community assets, natural resources, infrastructure, and tourism and service sectors of Nepal and other means of livelihood of its people , as well as t he enormous damage caused to its ancient cultural heritage , including the World Heritage sites,

Conscious of the immediate humanitarian challenges and the long-term impact of the devastation on the socioeconomic development of Nepal, undermining the country’s efforts in achieving internationally agreed development goals,

Underlining the special needs and challenges of Nepal as a least developed, landlocked developing country emerging from conflict, and recognizing the additional challenges and constraints facing the country in the aftermath of the earthquake,

Commending the efforts made by Nepal in rescue and relief operations, as well as the prompt and generous support through both in-kind and financial assistance extended in this regard by the international community, including the neighbouring and regional countries,

Stressing the importance of disaster risk reduction and resilience-building, as reaffirmed in the Sendai Declaration and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 - 2030,

Emphasizing the importance of international relief in helping Nepal address the immediate needs of the affected population and the importance of continued international cooperation and coordination in supporting the efforts and nationally defined priorities of Nepal in dealing with prevention, preparedness, mitigation, recovery and reconstruction , as well as in the strengthening of response capacity at all levels,

1. Expresses its deepest condolences, solidarity and support to the Government and the people of Ne pal and commends its resilience, and also expresses its condolences and sympathy to all affected Member States, in particular those that lost nationals in the catastrophe;

2. Affirms the leading role and the primary responsibility of the Government of Nepal, with adequate support and cooperation from the international community, in the humanitarian response and the rehabilitation, recovery, reconstruction and development plans for the country;

3. Emphasizes the need to urgently help survivors through immediate and needs-based relief assistance, underlining the importance of reaching affected people, particularly in remote areas, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, as well as the specific needs of women, girls, men and boys, and considering the use of the most appropriate means;

4. Welcomes the launch of the United Nations flash appeal of 29 April 2015, and calls on the international community, including Member States, to provide support during the three-month period of the flash appeal and beyond;

5. Emphasizes the importance of linking relief with rehabilitation and development from very early on, of building resilience and “ building back better”, of further strengthening national capacities at all levels, including effective and efficient governance and institutions, to prepare for and respond to future disasters of this kind, and of integrating a gender perspective, ensuring that women take an active and equal role in all relevant aspects related to disaster management and rehabilitation;

6. Underlines the importance, in parallel to the relief effort, of rapidly initiating the reconstruction efforts and resuming development through Nepal’s sustained efforts and assistance from the international community, including the international and regional financial institutions, in collaboration with the United Nations and Member States, and welcomes pledging initiatives in this regard, in coordination with the Government of Nepal, for the long-term reconstruction and rebuilding of the country;

7. Also underlines the need for the international community to maintain its focus on sustaining the support for the medium- and long-term rehabilitation, reconstruction and risk reduction priorities as defined and led by the Government of Nepal;

8. Stresses the need for restoration of the monuments and sites of historical, cultural and archaeological significance, and urges Member States to share their expertise and extend necessary cooperation to preserve the ancient cultural heritage of Nepal, including its World Heritage sites;

9. Requests the Secretary-General and the United Nations system to continue to assist Nepal in ensuring effective coordination of the national and international relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, and through international follow-up initiatives, as appropriate.