UNITED NATIONS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock on Wednesday asked for more money to support the expansion of humanitarian programs in Venezuela.
"The resources available now are extremely modest in relation to the needs we see. I would like to thank member states which have contributed to the provision of humanitarian assistance in Venezuela ... Your continued support is critical. But we need a lot more," Lowcock told the Security Council.
He also asked for an enabling operating environment for humanitarian assistance, including sustained and regular access to people in need.
He commended the Venezuelan government for its steps to facilitate the entrance of additional UN staff into the country and the expansion of humanitarian programs. But at the same time, he noted that additional steps are needed.
"We need more humanitarian organizations with the capacity to meet urgent needs to establish a presence and assist with operations in the country. We also need more data and information to ensure our understanding of needs evolves with the situation."
Lowcock asked for improved respect for principled humanitarian action.
In Venezuela, there is a need to separate political and humanitarian objectives. Humanitarian assistance must be delivered on the basis of need alone, he said.
