By Zahur Youssef
IN SUPPORT of humanitarian efforts in Sudan, the United Arab Emirates has expressed its commitment towards allocating 70% of its $100 million pledge to United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations.
This pledge was made during the “International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries”.
The UAE’s contribution aims to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, providing crucial support to prevent further deterioration and an imminent famine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement from the UAE, confirmed that the funds would be distributed among key partners and UN agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
This allocation is part of a broader strategy to deliver comprehensive assistance, encompassing food and health services, livelihood support, emergency shelter, and protection for women.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, highlighted the UAE’s dedication to supporting Sudan and its neighboring countries.
She stated, “The aid provided to Sudan and neighbouring countries by the UAE reflects the unwavering commitment of the country’s leadership to provide humanitarian and relief support to the brotherly Sudanese people, to address humanitarian challenges, and to continuously extend assistance and support to Sudan.” Al Hashimy also noted the UAE’s collaboration with the World Food Programme to deliver aid to regions like El Fasher in Sudan.
Additionally, Al Hashimy underscored the UAE’s efforts in establishing an air bridge with Sudan and Chad since the onset of the crisis. This initiative has facilitated the delivery of $130 million in humanitarian aid and 9,500 metric tonnes of food and medical supplies via 148 relief flights. The UAE also dispatched a ship carrying approximately 1,000 metric tonnes of urgent relief supplies.
The UAE’s support extends to refugee camps for displaced Sudanese individuals in Abéché and other regions in Chad. Recently, a plane carrying 100 tonnes of food supplies was sent to Sudanese refugees in South Sudan through the World Food Programme. Moreover, the UAE has built two field hospitals in the Chadian cities of Amdjarass and Abéché, providing medical care to all civilians in need, regardless of nationality, age, gender, or political affiliation. Since its establishment, the hospital in Amdjarass has treated 29,378 patients.
Her Excellency reiterated the UAE’s call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Sudan and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis through political dialogue. She called for collective efforts to end the conflict, enhance security and stability in Sudan, prevent further loss of life, and achieve a national consensus for a government led by civilians that meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people for development and prosperity.
Martin Griffiths, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, expressed deep gratitude for the UAE’s $70 million support.
He stated, “We are deeply grateful to the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates for your generous support of US$70 million to help bring relief to the people of Sudan through the United Nations.
With this allocation, we can bolster our lifesaving support for families and communities caught up in Sudan’s unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Your compassion and solidarity with people in need across the world exemplify the power of global cooperation in making a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.”
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi also thanked the UAE for its contributions, emphasizing the dire need for urgent support in Sudan. “The people of Sudan are enduring the dreadful consequences of this brutal war and need urgent support. State contributions are essential in providing much-needed lifesaving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in Sudan forced to flee,” Grandi said.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, acknowledged the UAE’s pledges towards lifesaving food operations in Sudan.
She remarked, “WFP welcomes all pledges towards our lifesaving food operations in Sudan. With this contribution, we will be able to assist vulnerable people who are at risk of sliding into famine.”
International activist Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Global Solidarity Network, emphasized the urgent need for support and humanitarian aid in Sudan. He called on UN and development agencies to expedite their financial commitments and prioritize funding for Sudan.
Ghazaly highlighted the critical role of international solidarity in addressing the humanitarian crisis and providing timely assistance to those in need.
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