PH Leads Discussion on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters at the United Nations

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo delivers the welcome remarks at the panel discussion on the International Law Commission’s Draft Articles organized by the Philippine Mission, UNDRR, and AALCO. (CR06, 17 April 2024, United Nations Headquarters) (Photo courtesy of United Nations Web TV)

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK 19 April 2024 – The Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations, in partnership with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization held a panel discussion titled ‘20 Years After the Tsunami: Revisiting the International Law Commission’s Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters’ at the United Nations Headquarters.

20 years after the Indian Ocean tsunami and its devastating aftermath which provided the impetus for the International Law Commission (ILC) to work on the topic on the protection of persons in the event of disasters, the ILC’s Draft Articles aim to create a comprehensive legal framework that balances the sovereignty of affected states with the need for effective and principled international assistance and cooperation in the event of disasters. It provides an approach to addressing the complexities of international disaster response, with a focus on human rights, state sovereignty, and international cooperation.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio Lagdameo chaired the Working Group mandated to examine the Draft Articles and to consider the ILC’s recommendation for the elaboration of a convention on the basis of the Draft Articles, or any other potential course of action. He highlighted how the Working Group converges on the value of informed discussions, and that the panel proceeds “in this spirit, to continue the dialogue informally, during this inter-sessional period, in an open, impartial, transparent, and inclusive manner.”

Under-Secretary-General (USG) Miguel de Serpa Soares, UN Legal Counsel, headlined the event. In his opening remarks, he noted that the “serious disruption of the functioning of society caused by major disasters also have a legal dimension.”

“Legal preparedness, in the sense of putting into place the necessary laws, regulations and institutions to provide a robust and adequate response to the onset of a major disaster, is itself an important component of risk reduction. Similarly, law and legal regulation can play a positive role in international cooperation, including in the prompt and effective provision of international humanitarian assistance,” USG de Serpa Soares said.

The panel discussion was enriched by the reflections offered by distinguished panelists, Mr. Arnold Pronto from the Codification Division of the UN Office of Legal Affairs; Ms. Martina Müller from the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction; Ms. Anastacia Carayanides from the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; and Ms. Kallie Aultman from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Prof. Roy S. Lee of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization, expressed appreciation for the panelists, and mentioned that it was important the substantive offices dealing with the subject matter were invited. 

In closing, Deputy Permanent Representative Leila C. Lora-Santos expressed the “hope that these discussions allow us to further reflect on the draft articles and that we continue to engage in further dialogues on this issue.” 

Interested viewers may watch the webcast of the event on UN WebTV:   https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1b/k1b0mft8r3. END

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo (center) and Ambassador and DPR Leila C. Lora-Santos (2nd from left) are joined by panelists: (from left of DPR Lora-Santos) Mr. Arnold Pronto, Ms. Anastacia Carayanides, Ms. Kallie Aultman, and Ms. Martina Müller. Pictured also are members of the Sixth Committee of the NYPM, First Secretary and Legal Adviser Azela Arumpac-Marte (2nd from right), Zenia Clemente (leftmost) and Kathryn Leuch (rightmost). (New York PM Photo)

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.