Special programme of assistance to the Sudan : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 43/8 of 18 October 1988 on emergency assistance to the Sudan, in which it recognized the disastrous impact of torrential rains and unprecedented floods that devastated Khartoum and the north of the country in August 1988, causing the destruction of over 300,000 dwellings and widespread damage to the country's social and economic infrastructure,

Recalling the Substantial New Programme of Action for the 1980s for the Least Developed Countries,

Deeply concerned about the serious plight of over two million Sudanese nationals who have been displaced or seriously affected by civil strife, famine and drought,

Noting that these grave problems are in addition to those already created in the country by the presence of over one million refugees,

Deeply conscious of the urgent need to take emergency action to alleviate the suffering of these victims and improve the conditions of life of the displaced population,

Conscious of the great efforts of the Government and the people of the Sudan in responding to the urgent humanitarian needs of the displaced population,

Noting with satisfaction the prompt response made by a number of Governments, international agencies and non-governmental organizations in providing emergency relief,

Recognizing that the magnitude of these disasters and their long-term consequences will require, in addition to the ongoing efforts of the Government and the people of the Sudan, a demonstration of international solidarity and humanitarian concern to ensure broad support in order to meet immediate emergency as well as longer-term rehabilitation needs,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General concerning the findings and recommendations of a high-level mission, which assessed the conditions of the displaced population and assisted in the formulation of an interim assistance programme focusing on the urgent humanitarian and rehabilitation requirements of the displaced,

1.         Expresses its solidarity with the Government and the people of the Sudan in facing a grave and complex humanitarian and economic situation;

2.         Expresses its gratitude and appreciation to Governments and international and non-governmental organizations that provided support and assistance to the Government of the Sudan in its relief and rehabilitation efforts;

3.         Recognizes the valuable efforts of the Government of the Sudan to provide assistance to the people affected;

4.         Recognizes also the importance of intense and wide co-operation with international relief organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations, to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance where needed in all areas affected;

5.         Takes note of the interim assistance programme contained in the report of the Secretary-General;

6.         Calls upon all States to contribute generously to programmes for the relief and rehabilitation of displaced persons;

7.         Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his efforts to make the international community more aware of the enormous difficulties facing the displaced population and to mobilize assistance to the Sudan;

8.         Welcomes the decision of the Secretary-General to organize, as requested by the Government of the Sudan and in close co-operation with the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, a meeting of bilateral donors and pertinent international institutions and non-governmental organizations in order to mobilize resources needed to implement a follow-up emergency assistance programme covering the rehabilitation and resettlement needs of displaced persons;

9.         Requests the Secretary-General to apprise the Economic and Social Council at its first regular session of 1989 of his efforts and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its forty-fourth session.