UAE And South Sudan Organise Humanitarian Visit To Gorom Refugee Camp In Juba With International Delegations

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of South Sudan, with international support, led a significant humanitarian visit to Gorom Refugee Camp in Juba. This initiative showcased solidarity with displaced communities fleeing conflicts in neighbouring countries, including Sudanese refugees. The visit was spearheaded by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, alongside senior officials from South Sudan and high-level delegations from various nations.

During this visit, discussions focused on enhancing humanitarian responses and finding long-term solutions for refugees. Delegates included regional organisations, humanitarian agencies, ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic corps in South Sudan. Participants also engaged in distributing food packages to refugees at the camp.

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The UAE inaugurated Madhol Field Hospital on 7th March 2025 in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, South Sudan. This facility has a 100-bed capacity and several specialised clinics to serve around two million people. It aims to address urgent healthcare needs for the host community, returning South Sudanese from Sudan, and Sudanese refugees.

This hospital is the third healthcare facility established by the UAE for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. It follows two successful field hospitals in Amdjarass and Abéché, Chad, which have provided medical care to approximately 90,000 people.

Sheikh Shakhboot highlighted the UAE's commitment to supporting efforts addressing this crisis. He stated that since its founding, humanitarian aid has been central to the UAE's policy. "Since its founding, humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians, particularly the sick, children, the elderly, and women, have served as the foundation of the UAE's policy and approach that prioritises civilians’ requirements and fulfills their needs."

The UAE announced an additional US$200 million of aid during a High-Level Humanitarian Conference for Sudan held in Addis Ababa. This conference was the first for Sudan this year and aimed to catalyse future conferences assisting the people of Sudan.

Regional Cooperation

Mangar Buong Aluong, Deputy Minister of Interior of South Sudan, affirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Sudanese people. He emphasised that many refugees face significant challenges requiring urgent humanitarian support across all levels.

Aluong noted that it is unfortunate many cannot celebrate Ramadan due to ongoing conflict in Sudan and limited access to aid. He stressed that international cooperation is crucial for enhancing humanitarian responses for refugees while meeting their essential needs.

International Support

Birtkuan Ayano, Minister of State of Ethiopia, expressed gratitude to both the UAE and South Sudan for organising this humanitarian visit. She said it provided insight into refugees' tragic situations during Ramadan: "What we have witnessed is painful... There is nothing more painful than witnessing the elderly, mothers, and children... losing their normal lives through no fault of their own."

Ayano reiterated her country's commitment to working with regional partners to provide necessary support for all displaced persons. She also thanked the UAE for its sustainable humanitarian efforts and South Sudan for offering refuge.

Strengthening Solidarity

Monday Semeya, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan welcomed all delegations visiting Juba. He expressed appreciation towards UAE’s support at Gorom refugee camp: "The crisis in Sudan has caused displacement... necessitates collaboration... alleviate their suffering."

This initiative underscores reinforcing values like solidarity through international collaborations while extending help towards those facing conflicts or crises urgently needing assistance.

With inputs from WAM