TNAG-1021-FCO40-1271-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-international-organisations-1981 — Page 41

CONFIDENTIAL

OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS DISASTER RELIEF COORDINATOR (UNDRO)

1.

In July 1971 the Secretary-General of the UN presented ECOSOC with a report [A] and recommendations on international disaster relief which, after elaboration in ECOSOC and the General Assembly, led to the creation of UNDRO [B], with a remit to concern itself in two broad areas:

(a) 'r

relief coordination; to mobilise, direct and

coordinate external aid provided to disaster stricken

countries, and

(b) to reduce the extent to which natural phenomena result in disaster or to eliminate the threat

altogether through preventative measures; and to promote measures of preparedness in disaster-prone

countries.

Mr Faruk Berkol (Turkey) was appointed coordinator in 1972, and has retained that position ever since. His term of office was extended in March 1977 and again in March 1980. He is due to retire at the end of February 1982, when he will be 64/65.

2. The UK played an active role in the creation of UNDRO. As a result of widespread public concern following the flood disaster in what was then East Pakistan in November 1970, Ministers undertook to seek an improvement in international disaster relief coordination [C]. The UK had already

CONFIDENTIAL

/cosponsored