The UAE Aid Agency on Sunday signed a co-operation agreement with the United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support the delivery of humanitarian aid to Sudan.
It will provide a total of $15 million for the Protection and Assistance for People Affected by the Conflict in Sudan project, scheduled to run throughout next year. The announcement confirms a pledge made by the UAE earlier this month.
The scheme is aimed at strengthening humanitarian responses for displaced people and those affected by the conflict in Sudan by providing life-saving measures, including protection, shelter, health care and education, state news agency Wam reported.
Tens of thousands have been killed in Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023. At least 12 million Sudanese have been displaced by the war, which has also created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 25 million people – half the country's population – facing hunger.
Since the outbreak of conflict, the UAE has allocated $784 million in humanitarian aid and urgent relief in support of the Sudanese people.
“The UAE will continue to be at the forefront of global efforts to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Sudan, founded on our moral and humanitarian obligation to stand by people affected by conflicts and natural disasters,” said Dr Tareq Al Ameri, chairman of the UAE Aid Agency.
“These efforts align with the approach established by the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and reflect the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership.”
Over the past decade, the UAE has provided $4.24 billion in aid to Sudan. It is the second biggest donor to the African nation, after the US, the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs says.
