text: ;esbytheresident co-ordinator oftheUnited Nations systeminthecountry lcerned, andinothercasesbydonorGovernments, non-governmental organizations 1themedia. Theyarefrequently characterized bycivilstrife, thepresence of -11- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Librarylargenumbers ofdisplaced persons andavarying degreeoffamine. Bytheir nature, theyinvolve multiple factors andinclude politically sensitive issues, whichrequires theSecretary-General toco-ordinate theassistance provided bythe organizations oftheUnitedNations systemconcerned. Experience hasshownthatit isparticularly important todistinguish suchsituations fromsuddennatural disasters andfromactivities whichmaybeconsidered asfalling within thedomain ofnormal economic development. 37.41Although themultiple features ofeachemergency varyandtheresponse is adjusted tothepriorities andspecial needsoftherecipient country, the objective ofthesubprogramme istoprovide, intheshortest timepossible, concerted humanitarian assistance frequently tolargenumbers ofpersons affected byfamineordisplaced bycivilstrifeorotherdisorders. Inordertodoso effectively, thesubprograrnme willaimatachieving thefollowing morespecific objectives: (a)Toassess asaccurately aspossible theurgent needsofthecountry or population concerned; (b)Tomobilize themostpositive response fromtheinternational donor community; (c)Todeliver anddistribute assistance totheaffected populations inthe mostefficient andcost-effective manner; (d)Tostrengthen inter-agency co-ordination, whichinvolves achieving consensus ontheevaluation ofneeds, harmonizing policy approaches torelief operations, andcreating unified methods andstructures fordelivering assistance inthefield. (b)Course ofactionoftheSecretariat 37.42 The'activities undertaken bytheSecretariat inresponse toadecision of theGeneral Assembly orOLtheSecretary-General areusually thefollowing: (a)Dispatch totheaffected country ofaninter-agency assessment mission in theshortest timepossible. Themission prepares detailed reports o~the humanitarian requirements andpriority needsofaffected populations in co-operation withtheGovernment andinconsultation withpotential aiddonors; (b)Provision bythemembers ofthemission ofadvisory services tothe Government, uponitsrequest, onthemosteffective systems fordelivery and distribution ofinternational assistance; (c)Preparation ofanappeal document forthemobilization ofemergency assistance fromtheinternational community, onthebasisofthefindings ofthe inter-agency assessment mission. Thatreportprovides anoverview ofthe complexities oftheemergency, including theagricultural andeconomic situation, existing foodandmedical supplies andunmetneeds, aswellasappropriate measures thatshould betakentorelieve thehumanitarian crisis. Thereportalsoindicates themeasures bywhichtheGovernment planstoleadthecountry outoftheemergency situation andpresents theproposed reliefactivities intheformofspecific projects, withindependent funding possible £oreachproject; -12- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library(d)Provision ofsubstantive support totheinter-agency taskforceon complex emergencies andtotheperiodic co-ordination meetings withdonor Governments andnon-governmental organizations; (e)Establishment ofmonitoring arrangements tooversee existing emergency programmes inordertoreportsatisfactorily totheGeneral Assembly andtoaid donors, andtomonitor economic developments having adirectbearing onemergency situations andtheprovision ofrelated assistance programmes. -13- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library
analysis: The text appears to be discussing the response of the United Nations system to humanitarian emergencies, such as natural disasters, civil strife, and famine. The focus is on providing assistance to affected populations, assessing needs, and coordinating efforts among various stakeholders. The text highlights the complexity of these situations, involving multiple factors and sensitive political issues. Given the emphasis on humanitarian aid, crisis response, and coordination, it seems likely that the text falls under the category of humanitarian aid and relief.