UAE Donates $5 Million to UN OCHA for Sudan Humanitarian Aid

UAE Allocates $5 Million to Support Sudan Humanitarian Fund Managed by United Nations

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a significant allocation of $5 million to support the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF), which will be managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This substantial contribution underscores the UAE’s unwavering commitment to addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis in Sudan, as reported by the state-run WAM news agency.

Agreement with OCHA

In a landmark agreement with OCHA, the UAE’s contribution to the SHF aims to “facilitate access to funds to address the most critical humanitarian needs and emergencies on the ground,” according to WAM. This partnership is a testament to the UAE’s strategic approach to providing humanitarian assistance in collaboration with international organizations.

Martin Griffiths, Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, expressed profound gratitude for the UAE’s generous support. He stated, “We are deeply grateful to the Government and the people of the United Arab Emirates for your generous support of $70 million to help bring relief to the people of Sudan through the United Nations. With this allocation, we can bolster our lifesaving support to families and communities caught up in Sudan’s unprecedented humanitarian crisis.”

Commitment to Long-Term Support

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the UAE’s long-term dedication to Sudan. She remarked, “The UAE’s long-term support to Sudan is a testament to our dedication to fostering a prosperous Sudan and promoting stability in the region. We are pleased to partner with OCHA and other UN agencies to deliver vital aid to those most impacted. I reiterate the UAE’s unwavering position to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and a peaceful solution to the crisis.”

Partnership with FAO

In addition to this commitment, the UAE has also signed an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and mitigate the imminent risk of famine. Under this agreement, FAO has received $5 million in funding from the UAE. This funding will support the project titled ‘Mitigating Famine in Sudan – Support to Conflict-Affected Vulnerable Smallholder Farming and Pastoralist Households’.

The FAO project, which will run for one year, aims to provide emergency crop, livestock, and veterinary assistance to 275,000 vulnerable smallholder farmer and pastoralist households, benefiting approximately 1,375,000 individuals. This initiative is crucial in preventing famine and stabilizing the livelihoods of those affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Broader Commitment to Humanitarian Aid

The UAE’s contributions to OCHA and FAO are part of a broader commitment of $70 million dedicated to addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan through various UN agencies and humanitarian organizations. This substantial funding is a significant portion of the $100 million pledge made by the UAE in April at a global humanitarian conference focused on Sudan and its neighboring countries.

Long History of Support

Over the past decade, the UAE has contributed more than $3.5 billion in aid to Sudan. This latest allocation is a continuation of the UAE’s extensive efforts to support Sudan during times of crisis and to foster long-term stability and prosperity in the region.

Strategic Humanitarian Role

In summary, the UAE’s recent contributions highlight its pivotal role in global humanitarian efforts, particularly in addressing the critical needs in Sudan. Through strategic partnerships with UN agencies like OCHA and FAO, the UAE continues to demonstrate its commitment to international humanitarian aid and regional stability. This multifaceted approach not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term recovery and development in Sudan.