UAE: Strategic in Humanitarian Response - Empowerment of Chad's Sudanese Women Refugees

The UAE has again manifested unparalleled devotion and commitment to the international humanitarian agenda, notably in support of women affected by conflict situations. In one such latest display of goodwill, the UAE announced new humanitarian initiatives in Chad, along with a handsome contribution of $10.25 million to the United Nations, with a focus on extending requisite succor to Sudanese women refugees severely hit by the crisis engulfing Sudan at the moment.

UAE: A Holistic Approach in Humanitarian Aid

Contributions by the UAE are more than just financial; they work to focus on a holistic approach that underlines healthcare, psychosocial support, and sustainable empowerment of the affected communities. This contribution indeed shows that the UAE does not only look at relief but at long-term community resilience. It certainly is a reflective approach toward humanitarian aid, whereby resources are used effectively to target immediate and future needs of women and children in any crisis situation.

Direct Engagement and Field Assessments

On the visit to Chad on September 13, headed by Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister, UAE delegation members had direct meetings with Sudanese women refugees and representatives of civil society organizations. They also held UN agencies working in humanitarian support and conducted field trips in several facilities, including centers for assistance to refugees and the Abéché Field Hospital that the UAE built to treat the Sudanese refugees.

This direct engagement underlines the UAE's commitment to an understanding of the complexities of the situation and the assurance that assistance is responsive and particular to the needs of those affected. The UAE works closely with local communities and international partners to further enhance the effectiveness of its humanitarian intervention.

Allocation of the $10.25 Million Contribution

• The UAE's US$10.25 million donation will be dispersed in a strategic manner across several UN agencies that specialize in the care of women and children:
• World Health Organization: US$3 million to enhance the health of mothers and children among Sudanese refugees in Chad.
• UN Population Fund: US$2 million for Women's health, encompassing programs that address sexual and gender-based violence.
• World Food Program of the UN: US$250,000 to support gender-responsive programming in Chad.

UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: US$3 million to foster social cohesion between the refugee women from Sudan and the host community in Chad. UN Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund: US$2 million to finance women-led civil society organizations and ensure that women are at the forefront of peacebuilding and community support efforts. Empower Women, Contribute to Regional Stability

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, underlined that the UAE adopts a holistic approach toward humanitarian aid: "The UAE will act promptly to deliver urgent aid and at the same time work on empowering communities for the future." This is more than just about immediate assistance; this is about laying down a foundation for continued stability and peace in this region, particularly by empowering women-who are essential for rebuilding and then being able to sustain communities.

Urgent Needs and Long-Term Empowerment

The UAE's commitment to Chad demonstrates a multifaceted approach to humanitarian aid-from urgent needs to long-term empowerment. Indeed, Chad has been hosting over 630,000 Sudanese refugees, the majority women and children, since April 2023. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the UAE supports the provision of primary health services, psychosocial support, and general assistance to such a vulnerable population. The consideration of women's health, social bonding, and the position given to supporting civil society organizations by the UAE further cements its dedication to ensuring that its aid helps build resilience and empowers instead of just meeting immediate needs.

A Call for Global Solidarity

The most representative UN officials were unanimous, underlining it as an exemplary model of global solidarity and support. Among such leaders, the WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has recognized how important a contribution by UAE will play in addressing, above all, the compounded challenges faced by Sudanese refugees, especially women and children.

These UAE efforts have been a call to action for international partners to not stop but to engage in further resource mobilization to succor the victims of the Sudan crisis. The UAE remains committed to humanitarian assistance that extends beyond the monetary contributions through a systematic and thoughtful approach that guarantees support to those most in need, thereby fostering conditions for long-term peace and stability.

The recent announcement of humanitarian projects in Chad, plus a $10.25 million contribution to the United Nations by the UAE, underlined a committed interest in support for women and children affected by conflict. The UAE will make it a standard through prioritizing health, psychosocial care, and social bonding for a strategic and holistic approach in humanitarian assistance. It is an initiative that has brought immediate relief and, at the same time, empowered the communities by underlining the role of women in the attempt to bring back peace and stability in regions torn apart by conflict.