UAE Engages In UN Meeting To Launch Humanitarian Response Plans Addressing Sudan's Crisis

Shahad Matar, Deputy Permanent Representative and Acting Charge d'Affaires at the UAE's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, participated in a significant event. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) jointly launched the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan. This plan also included a Regional Refugee Response Plan for Sudan.

Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the dire situation in Sudan. He noted that two years of conflict have led to one of the world's largest displacement crises. Consequently, the UN has prepared its most extensive humanitarian appeal for Sudan, requiring USD 6 billion in funding. Fletcher emphasised the importance of this effort by stating, "This is an unprecedented crisis in terms of scale and severity and requires an exceptional response."

Matar highlighted that the launch coincided with a crucial moment during the African Union Summit in Ethiopia's capital. She noted that the UAE, alongside Ethiopia, IGAD, and the UN, organised a high-level humanitarian conference for Sudan's people. During this conference, she stressed that a unified call was made for a humanitarian truce during Ramadan to ensure peace and deliver essential aid to all Sudanese in need.

The UAE announced an additional USD 200 million aid package for Sudan during this conference. Matar stated that this aid reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting Sudan amid its worsening humanitarian situation. She added, "The UAE announced the provision of an additional USD 200 million of aid to the brotherly Sudanese people during the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan."

Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed gratitude for financial commitments made at Addis Ababa's conference. He remarked on their importance by saying, "We thank those who made pledges in Addis Ababa. What is truly important is that these pledges translate into real action." The initial success of this conference was seen as pivotal before Geneva’s meeting.

The UAE has consistently supported Sudan throughout its crisis period. Over ten years, it has provided USD 3.5 billion in humanitarian aid to Sudanese people. Since conflict began 22 months ago, USD 600.4 million has been given; USD 200 million was pledged at Addis Ababa while USD 400 million was provided earlier.

Call for Global Action

Matar concluded her remarks by urging global mobilisation towards a unified humanitarian response: "We must seize this moment to mobilise the international community toward a unified and decisive humanitarian response, as Sudan cannot afford further delays." The UAE reiterated its call for safe access to essential aid under international law obligations.

The UAE stressed that ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian assistance is not just a request but an obligation under international law. They emphasised accountability if any party obstructs aid delivery during these critical times.

With inputs from WAM