PAKISTAN: Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds has criticised the United Nations relief effort in Pakistan, following last October's massive earthquake.
In a report to the Government on the post-earthquake reconstruction of Pakistan, Mr Reynolds said the UN system was slow to "crank up" its operation in the aftermath of the disaster.
Difficulties in information sharing and co-ordination created "frustration" among UN personnel, donors and aid agencies, Mr Reynolds reported. However, the UN was now co-ordinating the response well in most areas, he added.
Mr Reynolds, who has business links with Pakistan, was tasked by Minister of State for Overseas Co-operation Conor Lenihan to report on the relief effort in the south Asian country. Last month, he travelled to Islamabad to attend a reconstruction conference organised by the Pakistani government.
In his report, presented yesterday to Mr Lenihan, the former taoiseach calls on Ireland to commit more funding to victims of the earthquake, which killed 73,000 people in Pakistan and 1,000 in India and made three million people homeless. So far, the Government has provided €5 million.
Mr Reynolds recommended the Government consider appointing a specialist adviser with skills and experience in humanitarian emergencies to help decide which projects to fund and monitor the quality of Government assistance being provided.
In contrast to his rebuke of the UN aid effort, Mr Reynolds said the Pakistani government responded effectively to the disaster. He noted praise for the "swiftness, humanity and efficacy" of its military operation.
Mr Lenihan, who leaves today on a joint visit to Pakistan with the Dutch development minister, said Mr Reynolds's report provided a "bleak but accurate picture" of the situation which would provide a basis for discussions with the Pakistani authorities.
"The situation in Pakistan remains extremely worrying. There are still an estimated three million people suffering from inadequate shelter ahead of a hugely severe winter."
Mr Lenihan plans to travel to some of the worst-affected mountainous areas, including Bagh and Muzaffarabad.
According to Mr Reynolds, economic life is resuming in some of the hardest-hit areas, with many small businesses reopening. A "key issue" will be the management of the survivor camps to ensure they are safe and healthy environments, particularly during the harsh winter months and the spring snow melt when temperatures and water levels rise.
Irish aid would be delivered through UN agencies, international organisations and aid agencies that have a proven track record of responding to "basic needs".
"Like everyone, I was shocked and saddened by the effects of the earthquake in south Asia. The ongoing relief and recovery effort continues to be a long and difficult one," said Mr Reynolds.
