Photo credit: the National
Chad has benefited from the riches of the United Arab Republic.
Gulf Today reports that the UAE has announced the launch of new humanitarian projects in Chad. It has also contributed US$10.25 million to the United Nations to support Sudanese refugee women affected by the country’s ongoing crisis.
The UAE is dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of women and children in the region, particularly those related to healthcare, psychological support, and other essential aid.
The UAE also committed $100 million at the Paris Donors Conference in April 2024.
The country’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister to Chad, Lana Nusseibeh, announced on September 13.
The UAE delegation met Sudanese women refugees affected by the current conflict, Sudanese women civil society leaders, and UN agencies involved in humanitarian support. The delegation also met Fatime Aldjineh, the Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bachor Ali Souleymane who is the Governor-General of Ouaddai Province.
The delegation was briefed on the challenges of humanitarian aid distribution in parts of Sudan experiencing conflict and famine and recent improvements in access to humanitarian assistance. It also conducted fact-finding visits to humanitarian sites, including a refugee assistance centre and the Abeche Field Hospital constructed by the UAE to provide medical treatment for Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict.
The $10.25 million contribution will be allocated to UN agencies assisting women. $3 million will be dedicated to the World Health Organization for maternal and child health for Sudanese refugees in Chad. $9 million will be contributed to the UN Population Fund for women’s health and sexual-and-gender-based-violence programming for Sudanese refugees in Chad. $3 million will go to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for social cohesion programming between Sudanese refugee women and Chadian women in the host community. $2 million will also go to the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, which directly funds women-led civil society groups.
The UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, said, “Through this additional contribution, the UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting those affected by conflict, especially women and children, who are often the most vulnerable. Our efforts in Chad, alongside our international partners, highlight the UAE’s holistic approach to humanitarian aid – one that prioritizes immediate relief while empowering communities for the future. We thank our partners and civil society organizations, and stand ready to continue our support, to ensure that these vital resources reach those in need effectively and swiftly.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated, “The conflict in Sudan has had a devastating effect on Sudanese women and children. WHO thanks the United Arab Emirates for its support, which will enable WHO to continue to provide maternal and health services to Sudanese refugees in Chad. We must continue to work together to protect and safeguard the lives of the most vulnerable.”
