USG Press Room, 2008

OpEds, Articles and Press Briefings by John Holmes Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

 Gaza: Hope not hatred
Al Ahram, 4 March 2008 

USG Holmes discusses the humanitarian situation in Gaza following his recent mission to oPt. He describes Gaza as one of the world’s most densely packed places and expresses fears of a growing disconnect between the aims and hopes of the resuscitated Middle East peace process, and the harsh realities of the deteriorating situation on the ground. The article was published in the Al Ahram, one of the world's most prestigious Arabic language newspapers on 4 March 2008.  ( Arabic and English version in PDF)

Disasters the 'new normal'
USA Today, 3 January 2008

USG Holmes discusses the 'new normal' trend in extreme weather events, arguing that 2007's numerous floods, droughts, intensive storms, heat waves and wildfires may well be the rule, not the exception, going forward given the increasingly visible effects of global warming. [Download full article or view online version at USA Today]

Press Briefings

13 February 2008 - Media advisory on Emergency Relief Coordinator's mission to the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel [see more]

9 January 2008 - Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, gives update on the humanitarian situation in Kenya [see more]