The UAE has entered into an agreement with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), committing five million dollars to bolster the Sudan Humanitarian Fund.
Sudan Humanitarian Aid
Signed by Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organizations, on behalf of the UAE, and Edem and Surno, Director of the Operations and Advocacy Department at OCHA, the agreement was witnessed by Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs and Foreign Minister’s Envoy, and Amina Muhammad, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the UAE's substantial support, totaling seventy million dollars, aimed at alleviating the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan through UN initiatives. He emphasized that this allocation would significantly enhance life-saving interventions for affected families and communities.
The contribution to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund managed by OCHA will facilitate critical access to funds to address urgent humanitarian needs and emergencies, aligning with the annual humanitarian response plan.
UAE's Long-term Commitment to Sudan
Lana Nusseibeh underscored the UAE's enduring commitment to Sudan's stability and prosperity in the region through sustained support. She highlighted the partnership with OCHA and other UN agencies in delivering essential aid to those most in need, emphasizing the UAE's advocacy for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan.
Nusseibeh reiterated the UAE's stance on advocating for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, emphasizing that a military solution is untenable. She affirmed the UAE's dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to facilitate a return to dialogue and support processes aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement in Sudan.
The UAE's contribution to OCHA forms part of a broader commitment totaling seventy million dollars, pledged during the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighboring Countries held in April. This pledge underscores the UAE's substantial support for humanitarian efforts in Sudan, with contributions exceeding 3.5 billion dollars over the past decade.
The UAE emphasizes prioritizing civilian protection and facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid across conflict lines into Sudan. Their focus remains on providing crucial humanitarian assistance to the most affected areas, striving to alleviate suffering and support recovery amidst ongoing challenges.