News

Saudi Arabia, UNHCR ink $6 million aid deal for African refugees

Assistant General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid, Engineer Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, and UNHCR representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Khaled Khalifa on January 3, 2023. (Photo: KS Relief)

By Paul Aginnah | Friday, January 5, 2024

Funds will support UNHCR's humanitarian response to assist forcibly displaced people in Chad, Sudan, and South Sudan.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) have signed an agreement worth $6 million to support the UN agency's humanitarian response to assist forcibly displaced people in Chad, Sudan, and South Sudan with urgent relief supplies.

As per the terms of the agreement, the UNHCR will be responsible for providing emergency relief materials, including blankets, mattresses, kitchen utensils, improvised shelter, and non-food items.

Keep reading

The agreement was formalised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, and was signed by engineer Ahmed bin Ali Al Baiz, the assistant supervisor general for operations and programs at KSrelief, and Khaled Khalifa, the UNHCR Senior Advisor.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays an important role in supporting UNHCR's relief efforts worldwide. We count on its solid support, which helps us respond in the best way possible," Khaled Khalifa said.

He said the additional contribution to the emergency response efforts in Sudan will enable the UNHCR to continue and expand its ongoing relief operations, providing life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable people in Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad.

Prolonged conflict

Currently, Sudan is grappling with a significant and prolonged conflict, which has resulted in the displacement of over 7.3 million individuals from their homes.

As a consequence, millions are now seeking safety and protection not only within Sudan but also in neighbouring countries like Egypt, South Sudan, Chad, Egypt, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“This assistance is crucial to help vulnerable displaced people across Sudan and refugees in South Sudan and Chad. According to this agreement, 14,960 non-food items will be distributed in Sudan, 3,917 shelter items in Chad and 2,045 non-food items in South Sudan. The assistance will provide support to 100,693 people” stated engineer Ahmed bin Ali.