Although the humanitarian situation in Iraq threatens to become more difficult as a result of the start of hostilities, the challenges faced by the international community can be met. Valuable experience and lessons have been gained from similar humanitarian situations such as the recent one in Afghanistan. We must aim to avoid the mistakes of the past and incorporate the lessons learned in a practical way in our humanitarian activities. Experience in countries which have emerged from conflict demonstrates that one of the key principles of recovery is effective co-ordination. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of the United Nations in all phases of the international response to this crisis, particularly in securing the effective mobilisation of support from bilateral donors and international agencies. The United Nations has the range of skills and experience necessary to provide for the co-ordination and leadership of an effective humanitarian effort to be followed by recovery and reconstruction.