Whenever tragedy strikes in some far-off land, the world's
top diplomat, U.N. Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, customarily sends off
a note conveying the world's sympathies, a practice that shows that country is
not alone. But with so many natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian
crises unfolding at once, the U.N. chief needs to be efficient. And so his staff has apparently developed a standard response that can be used in
the event of any crisis. Just change the name of the country, the nature of the
disaster, and hit send.
For instance, Ban said almost exactly the same thing in
response to a fire in Russia, landslides in China, and flooding in Pakistan:
Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on
Fires in the Russian Federation
The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life and suffering caused by
the fires that have affected the territory of the Russian Federation outside Moscow.
He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have
died or been injured.
The Secretary-General is aware of the tremendous efforts being undertaken by
the Government of the Russian Federation to bring the situation under control.
He reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to assist in any way in
this effort should it be required.
Statement
Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Floods and
Landslides in China
The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by
the severe flooding that has affected considerable portions of China. He
extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have died or been
injured or lost their homes and possessions.
The Secretary-General is aware of the tremendous efforts being undertaken by
the Government of China to evacuate people out of harm's way, to carry out
search and rescue operations, and to respond to needs arising from this
situation. He reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to assist in
any way in this effort should it be required.
The statement for Pakistan is slightly different, reflecting
a greater U.N. role:
Secretary-General
Deeply Saddened by Loss of Lives, Livelihoods Following Pakistan Floods,
Pledges UN Support to Meet Humanitarian Needs
The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the significant
loss of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure in Pakistan, following the
recent heavy monsoon rains that have caused the worst floods in the last 80
years, affecting more than 1 million people.
The Secretary-General offers his deepest condolences to the
people and Government of Pakistan and reiterates the United Nations full
commitment to supporting the national and provincial authorities in meeting the
humanitarian needs of the population affected.
In addition to the aid the United Nations is already
providing, the Secretary-General is authorising the disbursement of up to $10
million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to help address the pressing
needs of the population.
The condolence template is by no means an innovation of the
current U.N. leadership. Here's a letter from Kofi Annan on October, 11, 2005,
after a devastating earthquake ripped through Pakistan:
Secretary-General, Deeply Saddened by South-Asia Earthquake, Says UN Relief
Agency in Contact with Concerned Governments on Assistance Plans
The
Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused
by the earthquake that hit Pakistan, with impact extending into India and
Afghanistan, on the morning of 8 October 2005, and extends his sincere
condolences to all the victims and their families.
The United
Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is in contact with
the Governments of Afghanistan, India and Pakistan to explore ways in which the
United Nations can assist in all efforts required to support relief and rescue
operations and in subsequent recovery and reconstruction.
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Twitter @columlynch.
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