Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
As the number of people forced to flee war and conflict worldwide remains at historic levels, the UAE continues to play a growing role in supporting refugees and displaced communities through emergency response, education, livelihoods and long-term recovery programmes.
Speaking to Aletihad, on the occasion of World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, Dr Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor and UNHCR Representative to the GCC countries,said the UAE’s humanitarian support extends far beyond emergency relief, helping refugees regain stability, dignity and self-reliance as they rebuild their lives.
UNHCR’s Global Trends 2025 report showed that 117.8 million people worldwide remained forcibly displaced by the end of last year, including refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people.
While the figure marked the first decline in global displacement in a decade, it still means that roughly 1 in every 70 people worldwide remains displaced, the report indicated.
UNHCR data shows that while nearly 4.4 million refugees returned home in 2025, many returns took place under difficult conditions and to countries still facing insecurity and fragile infrastructure.
More than 70% of refugees globally remain in protracted displacement situations lasting five years or longer, underscoring the need for sustained international support and long-term solutions.
A Partnership Rooted in Humanitarian Values
Dr Khalifa said the UAE and UNHCR share a longstanding partnership rooted in humanitarian values, generosity and commitment to protecting and assisting forcibly displaced people worldwide
He noted that the agency works closely with the UAE Government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Aid Agency, alongside philanthropic organisations, private sector entities and humanitarian partners.
According to Dr Khalifa, the UAE Government contributed approximately $21 million in 2025 to UNHCR operations, supporting emergency response efforts related to the Sudan crisis, including programmes in South Sudan, Chad and the Central African Republic. The contribution also saw the UAE become a member of UNHCR’s Major Donor Group.
An additional $26 million was contributed by Emirati foundations, corporations, private sector entities and individual donors, reflecting what Dr Khalifa described as “the generosity and solidarity of the UAE community”.
Dubai Humanitarian
One of the most significant elements of the partnership is the UNHCR global stockpile based at Dubai Humanitarian, one of the agency’s largest emergency response hubs worldwide, Dr Khalifa said.
The facility, spanning more than 23,000 square metres, holds enough emergency relief supplies to rapidly assist over 750,000 people within 72 hours of the onset of an emergency, he noted.
In 2025, UNHCR dispatched 13 humanitarian airlifts and 21 sea shipments from Dubai Humanitarian, delivering more than 2,600 tonnes of relief supplies including tents, blankets, solar lamps, kitchen sets and sleeping mats to countries including Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar and Afghanistan.
“Collectively, more than 1.7 million people were reached, improving their safety, wellbeing, and living conditions,” Dr Khalifa added.
Support and Solidarity of the UAE
He also highlighted several UAE-backed initiatives that have helped refugees move beyond immediate survival and towards rebuilding their futures, such as the partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), which supported food security, livelihoods, healthcare, water and sanitation projects across Asia and Africa.
Dr Khalifa also pointed to UNHCR’s 14-year partnership with The Big Heart Foundation, which has supported more than one million displaced people worldwide.
According to Khalifa, such programmes demonstrate how the UAE is helping refugees move towards self-reliance while preserving dignity and opportunity.
“UNHCR appreciates the continued support and solidarity of the UAE, its government, institutions, and people. This steadfast commitment reflects not only leadership but also a shared vision of humanity and compassion,” he said.
The Strength and Resilience of Refugees
World Refugee Day, he said, serves both as a moment of recognition and reflection.
“World Refugee Day is an annual moment to honour the strength and resilience of refugees and to recognise their achievements, it is an occasion to acknowledge the hardships they endure and the challenges they face as they rebuild their lives, meet their basic needs and pursue their aspirations and potential,” Dr Khalifa said.
This year’s observance carries additional significance as it marks 75 years since the adoption of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the landmark international agreement that established the right of people fleeing war, conflict and persecution to seek safety and rebuild their lives.
“This right belongs to all of us. UNHCR remains committed to upholding that promise until everyone is safe,” he added.
Dr Khalifa said the anniversary serves as a reminder that refugees should not be defined solely by displacement.
“Refugees are individuals with skills, talents and aspirations,when given the opportunity, they contribute meaningfully to the communities that welcome them, as entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, artists, leaders and friends,” he said.
