UAE Donates $20 Million To UNHCR To Aid Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have finalised an agreement for a US$20 million contribution from the UAE. This funding will support UNHCR’s humanitarian efforts in Sudan and neighbouring countries, aiming to improve living conditions and safety for displaced persons and refugees.

The agreement was signed by Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister for International Development Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and Mark Manly, Head of Donor Relations and Resource Mobilization Services at UNHCR. The signing took place at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, with Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Filippo Grandi, the High Commissioner for Refugees, present.

The allocated funds will be used to enhance shelter, healthcare, and basic services for thousands of displaced individuals in Sudan and South Sudan. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the UAE to address urgent humanitarian needs in these regions.

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh stated, "Our commitment to humanitarian causes is reinforced through strategic partnerships such as this one with UNHCR. Together, we can make a significant impact on the ground in Sudan, providing relief and hope to the most vulnerable. We remain steadfast in standing with the people of Sudan during this crisis." She also mentioned their eagerness to work with other partners to ensure that commitments made in Paris are realised on the ground.

This $20 million contribution is part of a larger $70 million commitment by the UAE dedicated to addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan through various UN agencies and humanitarian organisations. This funding forms a substantial portion of the $100 million pledge made by the UAE during the ‘International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries’ held in April.

Filippo Grandi highlighted the dire situation 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."

Over the past decade, UAE aid to Sudan has exceeded $3.5 billion. This latest donation further underscores their ongoing commitment to supporting those affected by crises in Sudan.

The collaboration between UAE and UNHCR exemplifies how strategic partnerships can effectively address pressing humanitarian challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, they aim to bring tangible relief to those most affected by conflict and displacement.

With inputs from WAM