Humanitarian action / Meeting with NGOs
Iran / Death penalty
Pakistan / Attack on a UNHCR camp
Humanitarian action / Meeting with NGOs
On July 15, Foreign and European Minister Bernard Kouchner hosted a meeting of 30 embassy and consulate employees responsible for humanitarian issues and 20 representatives of French humanitarian NGOs. This working session was designed to foster synergies between public action and non-governmental initiatives in the field of humanitarian action based on a regular dialogue whose caliber was lauded by the minister. Mr. Kouchner expressed the wish of further deepening this dialogue.
At the meeting, Mr. Kouchner reviewed the budget for French humanitarian action and noted that the Humanitarian Emergency Fund offers the necessary flexibility for responding to emergency situations. The initial allocation for 2009, 8,562,000 euros, has been increased to 10,820,000 euros; it amounted to 9,760,000 euros in 2008.
Mr. Kouchner announced an expansion of the workforce in the humanitarian section of the Foreign and European Ministry’s crisis center. He shared his hope of strengthening the role and tasks of humanitarian staff in our diplomatic and consular network, who would receive increased training.
Iran / Death penalty
France condemns the execution in Iran on Tuesday, July 14, of 13 people described as belonging to the Jundullah group. It reiterates its unwavering commitment to the universal abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances, regardless of the crime committed.
The abolition of the death penalty is essential to the protection of human dignity and human rights.
Pakistan / Attack on a UNHCR camp
France utterly condemns this morning’s murder in Peshawar of a Pakistani employee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees during an attempted kidnapping that also claimed the life of a Pakistani guard of a displaced persons camp.
It presents its condolences to the Pakistani authorities, to the UNHCR, and to the relatives and colleagues of the two victims.
Attacks targeting UN employees and humanitarian personnel affect the entire international community and constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
France reiterates its support for the UNHCR’s activities throughout the world and pays tribute to its staffers who conduct their mission to protect and assist refugees and displaced persons with dedication, very often at the risk of their lives.