The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Kunio Mikuriya, reiterated this Wednesday (16.03.2022/XNUMX/XNUMX) the important role that Customs plays in humanitarian crises.
In a published noteMikuriya urged Customs administrations to implement measures, as outlined in WCO instruments and tools, and to facilitate the cross-border movement of humanitarian supplies, including medicines and medical equipment, with a view to their rapid delivery to populations affected by humanitarian challenges, such as the current crisis in Ukraine.
“As stated in the Statement on Ukraine of 9 March 2022, the WCO is monitoring the crisis very closely (…), and of course, is ready to provide further technical guidance to members as necessary,” stressed the representative of the international organization on customs issues.
Mikuriya also noted that in the event of a natural disaster or catastrophe, as well as in emergencies such as conflict, famine or disease, it is essential that aid to affected people crosses international borders in an efficient and expeditious manner. “The effectiveness of humanitarian assistance depends largely on the speed with which it can be delivered,” he added.
Regarding the latter, the Secretary General noted that “it is imperative” that customs be as facilitative as possible and be prepared to dispatch aid quickly.
Official data provided in 2022 indicated that the WCO brings together 184 customs offices from countries around the world that together process approximately 98% of world trade. Hence, it is the voice of the international customs community.
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