Cut and paste condolences

Whenever tragedy strikes in some far-off land, the world’s top diplomat, U.N. Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, customarily sends off a note conveying the world’s sympathies, a practice that shows that country is not alone. But with so many natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises unfolding at once, the U.N. chief needs to be efficient. And so his staff has apparently developed a standard response that can be used in the event of any crisis. Just change the name of the country, the nature of the disaster, and hit send.

For instance, Ban said almost exactly the same thing in response to a fire in Russia, landslides in China, and flooding in Pakistan:

Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Fires in the Russian Federation

The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life and suffering caused by the fires that have affected the territory of the Russian Federation outside Moscow. He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have died or been injured.

The Secretary-General is aware of the tremendous efforts being undertaken by the Government of the Russian Federation to bring the situation under control. He reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to assist in any way in this effort should it be required.

Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Floods and Landslides in China

The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the severe flooding that has affected considerable portions of China.  He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have died or been injured or lost their homes and possessions.

The Secretary-General is aware of the tremendous efforts being undertaken by the Government of China to evacuate people out of harm’s way, to carry out search and rescue operations, and to respond to needs arising from this situation.  He reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to assist in any way in this effort should it be required.

The statement for Pakistan is slightly different, reflecting a greater U.N. role:

Secretary-General Deeply Saddened by Loss of Lives, Livelihoods Following Pakistan Floods, Pledges UN Support to Meet Humanitarian Needs

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the significant loss of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure in Pakistan, following the recent heavy monsoon rains that have caused the worst floods in the last 80 years, affecting more than 1 million people.

The Secretary-General offers his deepest condolences to the people and Government of Pakistan and reiterates the United Nations full commitment to supporting the national and provincial authorities in meeting the humanitarian needs of the population affected.

In addition to the aid the United Nations is already providing, the Secretary-General is authorising the disbursement of up to $10 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to help address the pressing needs of the population.

The condolence template is by no means an innovation of the current U.N. leadership. Here’s a letter from Kofi Annan on October, 11, 2005, after a devastating earthquake ripped through Pakistan:

Secretary-General, Deeply Saddened by South-Asia Earthquake, Says UN Relief Agency in Contact with Concerned Governments on Assistance Plans

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake that hit Pakistan, with impact extending into India and Afghanistan, on the morning of 8 October 2005, and extends his sincere condolences to all the victims and their families.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is in contact with the Governments of Afghanistan, India and Pakistan to explore ways in which the United Nations can assist in all efforts required to support relief and rescue operations and in subsequent recovery and reconstruction.

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