UAE Minister of International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy: The UAE is working to ensure that Sudan does not become a forgotten crisis

The United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Ethiopia, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), hosted the “High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan” on Friday in Addis Ababa.

The conference aimed to mobilize regional and international efforts to address Sudan’s catastrophic crisis and to issue a strong, unified call for a humanitarian truce during the holy month of Ramadan.

In an interview with the German Press Agency (DPA) on Friday, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, stated: “The conference seeks to enhance coordination and increase resources to assist millions of war-affected individuals, including internally displaced persons in Sudan and refugees in neighboring countries. We are working to ensure that Sudan does not become a forgotten crisis.”

She added, “We hope that the warring parties in Sudan will heed the conference’s appeal to cease hostilities and establish a humanitarian truce during Ramadan, allowing for the widespread delivery of aid to those in need. With only two weeks left until Ramadan, people are preparing for the occasion, and we hope that a humanitarian truce will facilitate timely aid distribution and enable the free movement of people.”

Al Hashimy emphasized the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Sudan, stating that the suffering of its people worsens daily as the war continues, necessitating urgent humanitarian response efforts.

She further explained, “The African Union Summit is currently taking place in Addis Ababa, and in collaboration with our partners in Ethiopia, the African Union, and IGAD, we decided to hold this conference on the sidelines of the summit. Many of the key stakeholders and organizations we aim to engage are already present in Addis Ababa.”

UAE’s Commitment to Sudan’s Humanitarian Needs

When asked about the UAE’s recent $200 million humanitarian aid package for Sudan, Al Hashimy stated, “Last year, we pledged $100 million at the Sudan Donors Conference, most of which was allocated to UN agencies to assist internally displaced persons in Sudan. Given the worsening humanitarian situation, the UAE leadership decided to double our contribution this year to help bridge the funding gap for the humanitarian response in Sudan.”

Regarding the specific sectors targeted by the aid package, she explained, “Our priority areas for assistance include food security, healthcare, water, shelter, and providing support and protection for women and children.”

Al Hashimy also highlighted the UAE’s collaboration with various partners: “We work with specialized UN agencies and international NGOs to distribute aid, while also providing direct assistance through our humanitarian institutions.”

Ensuring Aid Reaches Those Most in Need

When asked about how the UAE ensures that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations amid Sudan’s complex humanitarian situation, Al Hashimy stated, “We rely on comprehensive assessments of conditions inside and outside Sudan, working closely with our international partners to identify and support those in greatest need. Our approach is guided by reports from the UN and other international organizations, and we also have UAE humanitarian offices in select countries that oversee aid delivery, assess humanitarian needs, and provide real-time updates.”

She added, “Last year, we increased contributions to organizations focused on protecting and supporting women based on updated assessments. We will continue monitoring the situation in Sudan and adjusting our humanitarian response accordingly.”

The UAE’s Humanitarian Efforts Since the Crisis Began

Regarding the total amount of aid provided by the UAE since the onset of the Sudan crisis, Al Hashimy stated, “From April 2023 to the present, our assistance has totaled $400.4 million. This is in addition to the $200 million announced today at the conference.”

Challenges in Delivering Aid to Sudan

Al Hashimy acknowledged the significant challenges in delivering aid to Sudan, emphasizing that “ensuring humanitarian access and keeping border crossings open is of utmost importance. It is essential to continue working with the UN and friendly nations to press both parties to the conflict to allow humanitarian access, safeguard aid workers and organizations, and ensure that relief reaches those in need.”

She stressed, “Humanitarian efforts, aid supplies, and relief organizations must be protected, along with essential service infrastructure such as hospitals and displacement camps. Adherence to international humanitarian law must be guaranteed.”

Al Hashimy reiterated the UAE’s commitment, stating, “Through our participation in the Alliance for Saving Lives and Achieving Peace in Sudan, we are working to enhance coordination and secure the necessary resources. We are determined to prevent Sudan from becoming a forgotten crisis.”

The Role of African Partners in the Conference

Highlighting the importance of African partners, Al Hashimy said, “Ethiopia, the African Union, and IGAD have been instrumental in organizing this conference. They have long been engaged in efforts to end the fighting and bring peace to Sudan.”

She also noted the critical role of Sudan’s neighboring countries: “Chad and South Sudan are hosting millions of refugees and playing a crucial role in providing them with protection and humanitarian assistance. Sudanese refugees have also fled beyond the immediate region, with many now in Uganda and other countries.”

Financial Commitments from African Nations

Discussing the financial commitments made by African nations at the conference, Al Hashimy stated, “Several African countries have pledged financial support, including Ethiopia with $15 million, Kenya with $1 million, and Djibouti with $1 million.”

A Global Humanitarian Effort for Sudan

Al Hashimy expressed optimism that this conference could serve as the foundation for a broader international initiative to support Sudan, stating, “Additional conferences and meetings will be held to further the objectives of humanitarian relief and assistance for Sudan. We will continue working with our international and regional partners through the Alliance for Saving Lives and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) to achieve this goal.”

The UAE’s Message to the World

When asked about the message the UAE aims to convey through this conference, Al Hashimy stated, “Sudan is a brotherly nation, and its people deserve our full support. We hope they will overcome this crisis and that peace and stability will soon be restored, paving the way for reconstruction and long-term prosperity.”