Press Statement of the 1155th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, Held on 18 May 2023, on Humanitarian Action in Africa.

Abstract

The Council expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in parts of the Continent as a result of a combination of factors which include violent conflicts, terrorism, inter-communal violence, unconstitutional changes of government, famine and the growing impact of climate change-related phenomena such as crop failures, droughts, floods, landslides and cyclones. While encouraging Member States to adopt holistic approaches for addressing the underlying root causes of humanitarian crises, the Council expressed the AU solidarity with all refugees and internally displaced persons on the Continent affirming its unwavering commitment to towards mobilizing humanitarian aid, in order to alleviate their suffering. Lastly, Member States were urged to generously contribute to the AU Special Emergencies’ Fund and those that have not yet signed or ratified the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugees in Africa and the 2009 Convention on the Protection and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons, to consider doing so at their earliest convenience.