UAE gives $20 million to UNHCR for aid in Sudan

The UAE and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have signed a $20 million agreement to aid displaced people and refugees in Sudan and neighbouring regions.

This funding is aimed at supporting humanitarian operations, specifically targeting the improvement of living conditions and safety for displaced people and refugees.

The agreement was formally signed at the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva by Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister for International Development Affairs in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The $20 million contribution from the UAE will primarily go towards enhancing shelter, healthcare, and basic services for displaced individuals in Sudan and South Sudan. 

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh emphasised the UAE's commitment to humanitarian causes and highlighted the strategic partnership with UNHCR as pivotal in making a significant impact on the ground in Sudan.

Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, stressed the urgent need for support for the people of Sudan, who are facing severe consequences due to ongoing conflicts. He emphasized the critical role of state contributions in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to those forced to flee their homes.

The donation forms part of a larger commitment by the UAE totalling $70 million, which is dedicated to addressing humanitarian needs in Sudan through various UN agencies and humanitarian organizations. 

The UAE's ongoing aid to Sudan over the past decade now exceeds $3.5 billion, reflecting its sustained commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in the region.