Joint Nordic Statement by Ms. Kristine Erlandsson, Counsellor
Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations
Resumed Sixth Committee Session on PPED (Cluster 5)
8 April 2026

 

 

Mr/Madame Chair, 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and my own country, Sweden. 

The Nordic countries wish to reiterate our commitment to an inclusive and constructive process building on the work of the previous Sixth Committee session, with the International Law Commission’s draft articles serving as a strong starting point for an effective and inclusive instrument on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disaster. 

In the following, we would like to highlight five main points regarding Draft Articles 15, 16, and 17 – relating to facilitation of external assistance.  

Firstly, the Nordic countries emphasize the importance of efficient and predictable facilitation of external assistance and holds that Draft Article 15 serves as a solid basis for future negotiation. 

Secondly, we hold that it is essential that the facilitation of external assistance also safeguards principled relief assistance and, therefore, have suggested including “in accordance with humanitarian principles” in the chapeau of Draft Article 15(1).

Thirdly, facilitating access is essential to ensure that assistance, in practice, can reach affected persons. We note that an explicit reference to access has been omitted and propose that the affected State shall take the necessary measures, within its national law, to not only facilitate the effective provision of external assistance – but also the access of such.  

Fourthly, we support the balanced approach reflected in Draft Article 16, on the protection of relief personnel, equipment and goods. 

Lastly, on Draft Article 17, we would like to emphasise that the identified needs of affected persons should be adequately considered throughout different phases of the response – including when external assistance is terminated – to ensure continuity and prevent any gaps in the response. We also consider it important that the assisting State and other assisting actors shall be allowed to withdraw their personnel, equipment and goods upon the termination of external assistance.

In conclusion, the Nordic countries, reiterate our support for a balanced legally binding instrument that promotes effective humanitarian cooperation in the event of disaster. The operational dimension of external assistance, addressed in Cluster 5, is central to making a future convention meet its objective of protecting persons in the event of disasters. 

We look forward to further engagement during this resumed session and toward the Preparatory Committee later in 2026. 

Thank you.