Brussels, 16 July 2021/OACPS: On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Secretary-General of the OACPS, H.E. Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, expresses his solidarity with European Union Member States adversely affected by the recent unprecedented heavy rains, which have resulted in loss of life, widespread structural damage and the disruption of essential services.

Given the close links between the Member States of the OACPS and the European Union, as well as the fact that the Headquarters of the OACPS is hosted in Belgium, parts of which have also been heavily battered by the rains, Secretary-General Chikoti mourns the lives lost in these extraordinary circumstances. The Secretary-General also expresses his condolences to the Governments and peoples of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands and especially to the families and friends of all those who have lost their homes and their lives as a result of the intemperate weather. Furthermore, Secretary-General Chikoti offers his best wishes and support for the rescue operations, and the safe and speedy return of all persons who remain unaccounted for as a consequence of this catastrophe.

These extreme weather events reinforce the critical need for united environmental and climate action against the existential threats posed by Climate Change. The Secretary-General of the OACPS therefore reaffirms the Organisation’s commitment to address the impacts of Climate Change, and its willingness to work with its partners in this regard.

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