The United Arab Emirates, as one of the main contributors to humanitarian aid for Sudan and Africa, has allocated 70% of its $100 million commitment announced in April during the international humanitarian conference on Sudan to UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, supporting humanitarian efforts in Sudan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the support will go to key partners and UN agencies, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization. This ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis and mitigating famine in Sudan.
The UAE's approach includes providing all forms of aid, particularly food and health services, protecting women and children, and ensuring livelihoods and shelter in emergencies, reflecting its commitment to addressing various aspects of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, stated, "The UAE’s aid to Sudan and neighboring countries is part of the wise leadership's ongoing commitment to provide humanitarian and relief support to the brotherly Sudanese people, reflecting the significant attention the UAE gives to humanitarian challenges and its pledge to continue extending help, support, and humanitarian assistance.” She noted that aid would be provided to Al Fasher in Sudan in cooperation with the World Food Programme.
Additionally, the UAE has launched an air bridge since the onset of the crisis (with Sudan and neighboring Chad) to provide all forms of support for Sudanese citizens and alleviate humanitarian conditions in Sudan and neighboring countries. Since the beginning of the crisis, the UAE has provided $130 million to support humanitarian responses and 9,500 tons of food and medical supplies through 148 relief supply flights, in addition to a ship carrying around 1,000 tons of urgent relief supplies. The UAE has also supported refugee camps for Sudanese in Abéché and several regions in Chad. Furthermore, a food assistance flight carrying 100 tons was dispatched to Sudanese refugees in South Sudan through the World Food Programme.
In terms of providing medical services to Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries, the UAE has established two field hospitals in Am Djarass and Abéché, Chad, to support Sudanese refugees, with services extending to all civilians regardless of nationality, age, gender, or political affiliation. Since its opening, the Am Djarass hospital has received over 29,378 cases.
The UAE reiterated its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis through a return to the political process, prioritizing logic and reason, and intensifying collective efforts to stop the conflict and end the crisis, thus enhancing the security and stability of Sudan and preventing further bloodshed while achieving national consensus for a government led by civilians that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Sudanese people for development and prosperity.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi expressed gratitude to the UAE for its contribution to supporting humanitarian efforts within Sudan and in neighboring countries, stating, "The people of Sudan are bearing the severe consequences of this brutal war and urgently need support. Contributions from countries are essential to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to those most in need in Sudan and to those forced to flee outside of Sudan."
Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said, "We are extremely grateful to the government and people of the UAE for this generous support of $70 million to help relieve the people of Sudan through the UN. With this contribution, we can enhance life-saving support for families and communities trapped by the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Your support and solidarity exemplify the importance of global cooperation in making a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable."
Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated, "The FAO appreciates the financial contributions made by the UAE as part of the broader inter-agency support for efforts to reduce famine in Sudan. This comes at a critical time requiring urgent seed distribution and support for the agricultural season. This partnership and support will contribute to the intended goal of the FAO's seed distribution campaign, reaching 1.2 million families in Sudan and ensuring livelihoods for 6 million people."
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, said, "The World Food Programme welcomes all commitments related to its food operations in Sudan." She added, "With this contribution, we will be able to assist vulnerable individuals at risk of famine."
