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http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world...692256,00.html
The development secretary, Hilary Benn, will fly to New York tomorrow to deliver a sharp rebuke to the United Nations for failing the victims of humanitarian crises such as the Pakistan earthquake and the Boxing Day tsunami.
Benn believes the UN risks losing the support of donor countries if it cannot respond more effectively - and less bureaucratically - to natural disasters and conflicts.
During both the 2004 tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake, a number of countries lent military equipment, such as helicopters and trucks, which was essential to the relief effort. Benn says the UN should also develop a formal system for calling on military resources in emergencies.
The development secretary, Hilary Benn, will fly to New York tomorrow to deliver a sharp rebuke to the United Nations for failing the victims of humanitarian crises such as the Pakistan earthquake and the Boxing Day tsunami.
Benn believes the UN risks losing the support of donor countries if it cannot respond more effectively - and less bureaucratically - to natural disasters and conflicts.
During both the 2004 tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake, a number of countries lent military equipment, such as helicopters and trucks, which was essential to the relief effort. Benn says the UN should also develop a formal system for calling on military resources in emergencies.