Doc. 8492
1 September 1999

Need for a world rescue organisation for natural disasters

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Gürkan and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

The Assembly,

1. Expresses its appreciation of all kinds of assistance extended by many nations and international organisations for the earthquake disaster in Turkey;

2. Considers that an immediate international response to such disasters, which may happen anywhere, at any time, is vitally important and, therefore, recognises the urgent need for a world rescue organisation under the umbrella of the United Nations with an international command structure;

3. Proposes that the commander of this world organisation would have the authority to declare a world emergency within minutes after a disaster, taking command over the units that would come automatically under his jurisdiction. The units would consist of national ones with trained and equipped rescue experts, medical personnel and others with heavy machinery, mobile hospitals and emergency stores, as well as adequate means of transportation. Responsibility for all rescue operations, including the local efforts, would be taken over by the organisation, which would also decide which national contingents should be activated and how to transport them to the scene;

4. Undertakes to start the necessary steps to implement the above proposal;

5. Recommends that the Committee of Ministers enter into co-operation with the United Nation towards initiating the necessary preparations which would establish a world rescue organisation under the umbrella of the UN.

Signed :¹

Gürkan, Turkey, SOC

Atkinson, United Kingdom, EDG

Bal, Turkey, EDG

Bársony, Hungary, SOC

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

Eörsi, Hungary, LDR

Gjellerod, Denmark, SOC

Gül, Turkey, EDG

Gülek, Turkey, NR

Mutman, Turkey, SOC

Poptodorova, Bulgaria, SOC

Saglam, Turkey, EPP/CD

Tanik, Turkey, EDG

Telek, Turkey, EDG

Yürür, Turkey, EDG