USG Press Room, 2008

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

More Help Now, Please
The Economist, 02 December 2008

Global needs for humanitarian assistance are growing in part due to the increased impact of natural disasters. John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, is calling for action -- improved planning and preparedness as well as increased financing -- in order to reduce people’s vulnerability to disasters. (read more - also available in PDF)

Banning Cluster Munitions: a Moral Choice

Nov 2008 - John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, urges all states to sign and ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions without delay in light of the human tragedies arising from their use. (Read the full Op-Ed) 

The Somali Struggle
Daily News Egypt, 23 November 2008

John Holmes, OCHA's Under-Secretary-General for humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator,  pledges the continuous support of the humanitarian community for war-devastated Somalia. (read more - also available in PDF)

New “business model” for humanitarian aid
Interview with USG/ERC John Holmes, 10 November 2008

While in Dubai attending the inaugural Summit on the Global Agenda, John Holmes talked to IRIN about a new "business model" for humanitarian aid on the occasion of the gathering of the world's 700 most innovative and relevant minds aimed at collaboratively addressing some of the key issues on the global agenda. (read  and listen to USG/ERC Holmes)

The world needs help: that’s why we must coordinate our efforts
The National, 7 November 2008

John Holmes reflects on the global financial crisis and its implication for millions of people around the world who still need immediate, life-saving assistance. (read more - also available in PDF)

Food Crisis in Africa
Washington Times, 30 September 2008

Returning from his recent trip to Ethiopia, John Holmes ponders how  far we have come toward ending the pervasive indignity of hunger. (read more)

Disaster Lessons
Washington Post, 8 August 2008

USG Holmes comments on his most recent visit to Myanmar, where Cyclone Nargis claimed nearly 140,000 lives and affected millions. He describes the progress made in delivering humanitarian relief and the lessons learned from the crisis. The article was widely syndicated in the US and internationally. (Download PDF here or view online at Washington Post.)

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]

More Help Now Please: How to tackle tomorrow's disasters
The Economist, 02 December 2008

John Holmes, In light of growing humanitarian needs due to the impact of natural disasters John Holmes is calling for action, from planning to preparedness and financing, in order to reduce people’s vulnerability to hazards. (read more - also available in PDF)