Vice Minister Emanuela Del Re participated in the virtual briefing to present the update and revision of the “COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan/GHRP” of the United Nations. This document outlines the UN strategy for the humanitarian response to the consequences of the spread of the pandemic. The event was opened by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock, and the Executive Director of the WHO, Mike Ryan, who was followed by donor countries.
The Vice Minister highlighted how Italy is redefining its humanitarian programming following the pandemic to promote resilience and sustainability. “Italy is committed to contributing to the response to the Syrian crisis, the Venezuelan migration crisis and in Sudan, Yemen and Palestine” – said Del Re. She assured that in the coming months, we would intensify our humanitarian efforts focusing on the needs identified by the GHRP. “We have meanwhile contributed to the logistics of the GHRP” – added the Deputy Minister – “also by supporting and actively participating in the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge initiative, in some African countries”.
In conclusion, the Vice Minister stressed that humanitarian programmes must enhance the role of local actors, given the current restrictions on mobility: “UN Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations will have to rely on local resources, including youth and women organizations and people with disabilities, which are crucial to maintain and strengthen humanitarian operations at this stage”.
