PH Spotlights Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters in Exhibit at United Nations Headquarters
Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo (top photo) and H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly (bottom photo), deliver their remarks at the opening of the exhibit on the International Law Commission’s Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters co-hosted by the Philippines with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Delegates Entrance Hall, 5 June 2024, United Nations Headquarters) (Photo Credit: NYPM).
NEW YORK 17 July 2024 – The Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nation Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launched the exhibit titled “Closing the Gap: Strengthening the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters.”
The exhibit, conducted at the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) for Sustainable Development, spotlights the work of the International Law Commission (ILC), an expert subsidiary body of the General Assembly, on the Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED). Aimed at raising awareness and enhancing common understanding on the Draft Articles among Member States, it runs from 15 to 26 July 2024 at the Delegates Entrance Hall of the UN Headquarters.
Developed in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Draft Articles on PPED could fill critical gaps in international law concerning disaster risk reduction and response. The articles establish clearer legal obligations, enhance international cooperation, and uphold the dignity and rights of affected persons.
Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Antonio M. Lagdameo delivered the welcome remarks and linked the exhibit to his work as the current Chair of the Working Group on PPED in the General Assembly, which is tasked to consider the ILC recommendations to negotiate a treaty on the basis of the Draft Articles.
“As Chair, I am committed to continuing the robust engagement at the 78th Session, including through inter-sessional initiatives that draw attention to the value of the ILC Draft Articles, such as this exhibit. This is in line with the Philippines’ commitment to the codification and progressive development of international law, the mandate of the ILC, and an important element of the rule of law at the international level. Rule of law is an important pillar of our candidature to the Security Council.” He also highlighted that “SDG 16, with rule of law at its core, is showcased as an enabler and accelerator of all 17 SDGs at this year’s High-Level Political Forum.”
Ambassador Lagdameo also shared that the Philippines will highlight these Draft Articles at the forthcoming Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila.
“I hope that the exhibit reception tonight will be a feast for the senses that will spur all of us towards deeper engagement in the final session of the Working Group and commitment to decisive action to strengthen the protection of persons in the event of disasters,” he concluded.
The opening reception gathered Permanent Representatives, Deputy Permanent Representatives, Legal Advisers, Second Committee Experts, HLPF Delegates, UN staff and other key stakeholders.
Distinguished speakers at the event included H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, who mentioned the General Assembly’s active role in addressing disaster-related issues and the progress made by the Working Group. Ms. Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stressed the urgency of having a comprehensive legal framework. Meanwhile, Mr. Stephen Mathias, Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, highlighted the value of legal preparedness.
Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR, reaffirmed the commitment to disaster risk reduction from the Sendai Framework Midterm Review and noted the significance of the proposed articles and ongoing discussions in the Sixth Committee. He emphasized that people are at the heart of disaster prevention.
The exhibit leverages visual storytelling with each of the 18 Draft Articles featured alongside corresponding photos depicting disaster impacts, recovery efforts, and risk reduction mechanisms.
The exhibit is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and facilitate informed discussions among Member States leading up to the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, when the Working Group on PPED will convene for its second and final session. END
Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo assists H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, as he cuts the ribbon during the opening of the exhibit on the International Law Commission’s Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters co-hosted by the Philippines with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Delegates Entrance Hall, 5 June 2024, United Nations Headquarters) (Photo Credit: NYPM).
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.