UN plea to world for tsunami victims' cause

191-member UNGA also asked Kofi Annan to appoint a special envoy for the devastated region to help sustain global political will.

The United Nations has asked international community to maintain sustained support for the tsunami hit areas beyond the current emergency phase and help establish quickly an early warning system in the Indian Ocean.

HT Image

In a resolution adopted unanimously, the 191-member UN General Assembly also asked Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday to appoint a special envoy for the devastated region to help sustain global political will in support of medium and long term rehabilitation, reconstruction and risk reduction efforts.

The resolution, co-sponsored by 90 member states, called on the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to bring members of the donor community and affected nations together to address their immediate and future rebuilding needs in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Assembly's action capped a two-day special debate in which more than 50 delegations called for the strengthening of emergency relief, rehabilitation and prevention following the Indian Ocean tsunami.

The Assembly recognised that the development of stronger institutions and mechanisms, especially at the community level, was essential to building resilience to hazards and disasters and reducing the risks to vulnerable populations.