Estonia becomes co-chair of Good Humanitarian Donorship

TALLINN – Estonia and the United Kingdom on Monday took over the chairmanship of the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) initiative, which brings together 42 countries and organizations, for a two-year term.

The co-chairmanship of Estonia and the UK focuses on better coordination of the humanitarian system and enabling humanitarian activities in conflict situations. Among other things, attention is directed to the observance of international humanitarian law, spokespeople for the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

"The role of co-chair is a recognition and a logical continuation of Estonia's long-standing commitment to providing life-saving assistance around the world -- be it in Ukraine, after the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, or in response to the threat of famine in the Horn of Africa," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.

"In a situation where humanitarian needs globally are growing, for example, due to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and pressure on both humanitarian principles and resources is increasing, the Good Humanitarian Donorship network is an even more important forum for discussion between humanitarian donors," the minister noted.

GHD, a unique community of humanitarian donors, was established 20 years ago. In view of increasingly complex humanitarian crises, the community agreed on common principles of good humanitarian donorship to improve the financing and implementation of humanitarian activities. The members of GHD are the countries that have acceded to its principles, the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Estonia co-chaired with Ireland also from 2009 to 2010.