ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN
17 June 2026, New York
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and would like to add the following. I thank USG Fletcher for his statement.
The global humanitarian system is facing an unprecedented challenge. Humanitarian needs continue to grow along with the number of conflicts around the world. While important steps have already been taken, they have not been sufficient and without renewed effort, we risk being left with a system unable to cope with today’s challenges.
Although many crises are currently screaming for attention, today I will focus on Ukraine. In the beginning of the year, we once again saw the devastating humanitarian consequences of Russia’s war of aggression, as millions of Ukrainians were left in the freezing cold following Russia’s targeted attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. These attacks are a direct assault on the rules-based international order and constitute a grave violation of international law. For the fifth year now, what we are witnessing in Ukraine is brutal and deliberate: entire cities reduced to rubble, civilians maimed or killed in their homes, families torn apart by forced evacuations, and critical infrastructure like hospitals and power grids systematically destroyed. This is not collateral damage – it is calculated, punitive warfare against a civilian population. We must call out those violating international humanitarian law and hold them to account.
The humanitarian reset, spearheaded by Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, provides us with a way forward. One-and-a-half years since its inception, we are seeing progress. But much more needs to be done, particularly on the ground. Localisation remains a key priority. It has the potential to transform the humanitarian system towards both increased efficiency as well as better accountability to affected populations. Closer engagement by development actors will allow scarce humanitarian resources to be used where they are most needed. From our experience as a digital society, we highlight that innovation, common digital services and platforms can additionally deliver a substantial efficiency boost and save cost.
For the humanitarian reset to succeed, it is vital that all UN agencies are aligned with it and ready to work together in the spirit of One UN. Likewise, many of the reforms require close alignment with the UN80 process. Now is the time for decisive action. The humanitarian reset has our full support.
Colleagues,
Estonia remains firmly committed to humanitarian aid as a global, principled and consistent donor.
I thank you.