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UN affirms support for Arab region at ‘turning point’

By JT - Oct 15,2014 - Last updated at Oct 15,2014

AMMAN — The regional leadership of the United Nations Development Group on Wednesday met in Amman and reiterated its support for the Middle East and North Africa region in light of the current crises.

During the conference, Sima Bahous, chairperson of the Regional United Nations Development Group, highlighted that the region is currently at a crossroads. 

“We come together today to ensure that this turning point we face is a turning point for the better,” a UN statement quoted her as saying at the meeting.

The gathering focused on how best to respond to the crisis in Syria and neighbouring countries, in addition to the unrest in Libya and Yemen in a way that meets the needs of the impacted populations and addresses the burdens placed on communities hosting Syrian refugees. 

UN officials called for greater support for all communities impacted by the crisis and expressed resolve to support national development efforts across the Levant to achieve sustained peace in Syria, the statement said.

Now into its fourth year, the crisis in Syria has driven over 1.2 million refugees into Lebanon and over 600,000 into Jordan, causing strain to public services and economic opportunity in both countries, while also stretching the social fabric.

“This crisis has the potential to leave a tremendous lasting impact on our societies,” Bahous said. “The time that our strongest support is needed, is now.”

Delegates also discussed the outcome of the Gaza Reconstruction Conference held in Cairo earlier this week, and outlined United Nations Development Group plans to support a rapid recovery for Gaza, according to the statement. 

Donors pledged US$5.4 billion to support the effort, while also noting that political commitment on all sides will be every bit as necessary as financial support.

“The people of Gaza deserve to live in dignity,” said Bahous.  “It is a responsibility we all share.”

Officials also discussed ongoing support to countries undergoing complex challenges, such as Libya and Yemen. Officials expressed resolve that the hopes of the Arab peoples that have been so evident in recent years are not in vain.

“Never underestimate the power of the Arab peoples to achieve the brighter future they want and they deserve,” said Bahous. “It is our duty and our promise to support this region in its time of greatest need.”

The group agreed on a joint and coordinated response that ensures inter-linkages between humanitarian and development interventions. 

All participants endorsed the resilience-based approach as the way forward in addressing prolonged crises, the statement said. 

“Through this approach, the UN will help communities cope, recover, and put in place sustainable solutions,” Bahous noted.

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