United Nations Humanitarian Chief pledges support for Brazil's contribution to humanitarian action around the world

(Rio de Janeiro/New York, 3 April 2012): Valerie Amos, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, today concluded her first official visit to Brazil to strengthen the partnership between the country and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

During her three-day visit, Ms. Amos met several Government Ministers including Minister for Foreign Affairs, Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, Minister of Defense, Celso Amorim, and Minister for National Integration, Fernando Bezerra. She discussed opportunities to strengthen the relationship between Brazil and the UN.

“I am particularly interested in how best to share Brazil's experience in disaster preparedness and food security with other countries in the region and around the world,” said Valerie Amos.

While in Brasilia, she also met with representatives of the UN system to discuss UN efforts in the country and opportunities to strengthen coordination.

In Rio, Ms. Amos met representatives of the Rio de Janeiro state government including Under-Secretary for International Relations Pedro Jorge Spadale, the Head of Civil Defense, Coronel Sergio Simoes, and Mayor Eduardo Paes. She expressed the commitment of the UN to collaborate with Brazil in preparing for and responding to humanitarian emergencies.

Ms. Amos also met with representatives from non-governmental organizations and corporations based in Rio, to exchange views on how civil society and private businesses can continue to use their experience and knowledge to support people in need in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

Brazil is a well known global advocate for civil protection and disaster prevention. “I look forward to a rich and close collaboration with Brazil in the years to come,” she said.

For further information, please contact:

Rogerio Mobilia Silva, ROLAC, silvar@un.org, Tel. + 507 6747 1969

Devi Palanivelu, OCHA New York, palanivelu@un.org, Tel. + 1917 650 9782

OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int.