Turkey to host world humanitarian summit

The following was contributed by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu ahead of the United Nations World Humanitarian Summit on May 23 and 24. – Ed.

Despite worldwide shock and indignation, it looks as if little Syrian boy Aylan Kurdi’s tragic death last summer has changed little. We are saddened by our collective negation.

The power of image and social media, so effective in entertainment, has betrayed those less fortunate. Since Aylan’s death six months ago, countless more innocent men, women and children have lost their lives from preventable deaths.

The world is facing the largest humanitarian crisis since World War II. Beyond Syria, in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, humanitarian failings have transcended borders. Today, 125 million people around the world are in need of emergency assistance. The number of displaced persons has almost doubled in a decade to 60 million.

While natural disasters continue to cause significant deaths and displacements, the most alarming truth is that most of crises today are caused by conflicts and recur. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Syria, where a mass murderer, supplied with outside help, has butchered his own people indiscriminately.

It leaves no room for excuses. We cannot display our ignorance globally.

At this critical juncture, Istanbul will host the first ever United Nations World Humanitarian Summit from May 23-24. Our chairmanship is a timely reminder of the successful humanitarian diplomacy that we have administered.

The summit will be a platform to address numerous challenges burdening international organizations. Issues such as recurrent and protracted crises, refugees and disaster financing will be examined, alongside innovative strategies in activating grassroots participation and safeguarding the dignity and safety of those distressed.

The venue will serve as an opportunity for all governments and leaders to take action, as millions simultaneously stand on the brink of death. Turkey has led by example, galvanizing the international community toward action.

We have welcomed the greatest number of refugees -- over 3 million -- who have mostly come from Syria. Providing shelter and vital services, such as free health care, schooling and vocational training, has become a major burden that we have assumed dauntlessly.

Our humanitarian diplomacy is not limited to our region. Having a tradition of accepting the needy irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity since the late 15th century, Turkey is making full-out disaster-relief efforts from Haiti to Nepal, Guinea to Somalia and the Sahel to Indonesia.

Through these endeavors, we seek not only to relieve the symptoms but also treat the diseases. Our holistic approach covers humanitarian and development assistance, while addressing the root causes of conflicts. Best demonstrated in the Sahel or Somalia, where Turkey has pursued an integrated response involving the civil society, businesses and officials, the approach has saved countless lives.

While each country’s efforts are crucial, international agencies are cash-strapped and short of manpower. We are calling on all leaders of the world to come to Istanbul. Together, we can try to find solutions to the humanitarian crises and shoulder our responsibilities collectively. The well-being of our neighbors, especially those who are desperately vulnerable, is all our responsibility.

Edited by Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)