SAMI ABDUL RAOUF (DUBAI)
The UAE provided logistical support for 11 sea shipments and 28 air shipments of humanitarian aid in response to various global emergencies in 2023, said Khaled Khalifa, the adviser to the High Commissioner and Regional Representative of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in statements to Aletihad.
Collectively, the shipments carried more than 10,541 metric tonnes of essential relief supplies around the world, responding to events such as the earthquakes that hit Türkiye and Syria, the forced displacement of persons and refugees affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the floods that swept through eastern Libya.
“One of the prominent forms of support received by UNHCR is the contribution of the International Humanitarian City in Dubai, which covered the transportation costs for 10 air shipments containing emergency relief materials departing from UNHCR’s warehouses hosted in Dubai,” Khalifa said.
Khalifa noted that the UNHCR’s cooperation has been “fruitful”, noting that the UAE “supports efforts to extend a helping hand to those in need around the world, especially those affected by conflict, such as refugees and displaced persons”.
He emphasised that UNHCR is proud of the ongoing humanitarian cooperation with the UAE, and looks forward to enhancing the partnership and further coordinating efforts to help the thousands of displaced individuals in the region and the world with their essential needs, granting hope for a better future.
According to Khalifa, 2023 was difficult by all standards, as war, conflict, persecution, and the ramifications of climate change forced millions of people to leave their homes. UNHCR’s semi-annual report, issued in late October 2023, indicated that more than 114 million people were forcibly displaced from their homes during the first half of 2023, including refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and others in need of international protection, an increase of about 1.6 million people compared to 2022.
Khalifa explained that this increase was driven by wars and conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar, in addition to a mix of droughts, floods, and instability in the Sahel region of Somalia, and the prolonged humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
“The increase in rates of forced displacement coincides with refugees’ lack of sustainable solutions in the face of challenges that make it difficult for them to access the services and opportunities they need to live a self-reliant life and achieve their aspirations,” he added.
The majority of forcibly displaced persons live in low- and middle-income countries, and greater support is required to continue generously hosting refugees, Khalifa said, affirming that UNHCR continues to collaborate with its partners, led by the UAE as well as humanitarian public and private sector organisations operating within the country. These partnerships play an active role in supporting UNHCR’s relief efforts, he said, citing partnerships with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, The Big Heart Foundation, and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, as key examples.
“These partnerships, along with others, enable UNHCR to provide basic assistance such as shelter, relief materials, food, and livelihood support for thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East,” Khalifa said.
Collaboration is needed to address the significant humanitarian and development requirements of the millions of displaced persons worldwide, he added, reaffirming that UNHCR is committed to alleviating the suffering of displaced individuals and provide them with hope away from their homes.
Khalifa also highlighted the UAE’s successful hosting of the 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (COP28), during which participants discussed methods of enhancing international efforts to support displaced persons, who face greater vulnerability to climate disasters.