The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has revealed the signing of a pact with the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) to offer US$7 million in aid for vital humanitarian operations in Sudan and South Sudan. The pact designates US$6 million for Unicef's initiatives in Sudan and US$1 million for its projects in South Sudan, reinforcing the UAE's pledge to mitigate the dire humanitarian situations in these nations.
The escalating conflict in Sudan has evolved into a crisis affecting children, with an estimated 13.6 million children in urgent need of help. The conflict has compelled over six million individuals, more than half of whom are children, to abandon their homes, making Sudan the focal point of the world's biggest child displacement crisis. This UAE contribution will directly aid Unicef's mission to guarantee that children and women in Sudan and South Sudan receive primary healthcare, adequate quality water, and education through formal and non-formal channels, including early learning programs.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, stated, "The UAE is firmly committed to assisting the most vulnerable groups impacted by conflict, especially children who are suffering the most in Sudan and South Sudan. Through this agreement with Unicef, we are strengthening our commitment to delivering life-saving support and ensuring that children have access to the crucial services they urgently need."
The UAE will persist in standing with the Sudanese people during their time of need, collaborating with international partners to tackle the pressing humanitarian issues. This commitment was recently demonstrated by the UAE's involvement in the Sudan talks in Geneva as an observer, aiming to ensure the delivery of aid to those in need, particularly the most vulnerable. In this context, the UAE supports the movement of humanitarian actors and aid through the Adre Crossing.
Over the past decade, the UAE has contributed more than US$3.5 billion in aid to the Sudanese people, highlighting its dedication to assisting those in need during crises. Since the conflict began in 2023, the UAE has provided US$230 million in humanitarian aid and sent 159 relief flights, delivering over 10,000 tonnes of food, medical, and relief supplies. Additionally, the UAE has constructed two field hospitals in Chad, which have treated more than 45,000 people.
Moreover, the UAE continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict and an urgent stop to violence as a primary demand. The country emphasizes that there is no military solution and underscores the importance of the warring parties seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue. To this end, the UAE will continue its engagement with all relevant stakeholders and support any process aimed at guiding Sudan towards a political path to achieve a lasting settlement and a national consensus for forming a government where civilians participate and lead.
