Nigeria has led eight other countries in demanding the conclusion of a legally binding international agreement to strengthen protection for people affected by disasters.
The call came during deliberations on preparations for a United Nations conference on disaster protection at the UN headquarters in New York.
According to the coalition, the conference is scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from Jan. 25 to Feb. 12, 2027.
Nigeria’s representative, Mr Emmanuel Nweke, delivered the statement on behalf of a nine-country core group working to advance the proposed convention.
Other members include the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Colombia, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Jamaica and Thailand.
The coalition warned that disasters were becoming increasingly frequent and severe, with disproportionate consequences for vulnerable countries.
It expressed concern that existing international arrangements remained fragmented and insufficient to guarantee predictable cooperation during emergencies.
According to the group, there is currently no comprehensive global treaty establishing the rights and obligations of governments and other actors responding to disasters.
The proposed convention seeks to establish clearer rules governing international assistance while respecting national sovereignty.
It will also strengthen protection for affected populations and promote international cooperation before, during and after disasters.
It will also strengthen protection for affected populations and promote international cooperation before, during and after disasters.
The coalition recalled that the International Law Commission had recommended developing a convention based on its draft articles.
It noted that the General Assembly subsequently adopted decisions establishing the process for negotiating a legally binding instrument.
The group expressed hope that the Bangkok negotiations would produce a widely supported convention capable of strengthening international disaster response and protecting human dignity.