UAE announces projects in Chad including $10 million UN contribution for refugee women

Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister, made the announcement during a visit to the African country

The UAE has announced it is launching humanitarian projects in Chad, plus a $10.25 million (Dh37.6 million) donation towards the UN's efforts supporting Sudanese refugee women affected by the continuing situation in the country.

In April, the UAE pledged $100 million at the Paris Donors Conference, with 70 per cent directed to international humanitarian organisations and the remaining to support Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries, such as Chad, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister, made the announcement on Friday during a visit to Chad, where she met with Sudanese refugee women, civil society leaders and UN agencies. She also met with Fatime Aldjineh Garfa, Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Bachar Ali Souleymane, Governor General of Ouaddai Province.

"Through this additional contribution, the UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting those affected by conflict, especially women and children, who are often the most vulnerable," said Ms Nusseibeh.

"Our efforts in Chad, alongside our international partners, highlight the UAE's holistic approach to humanitarian aid – one that prioritises immediate relief while empowering communities for the future."

The UAE delegation visited a refugee assistance centre, as well as the UAE-built Abeche Field Hospital, where Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict can seek medical treatment.

Contribution

The money allocated to UN agencies will go specifically to those specialised in providing aid to women. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, $3 million will be allocated to the WHO for maternal and child health, $2 million to the UN Population Fund for women's health and sexual-and-gender-based-violence programme for Sudanese refugees in Chad, and $3 million to the UN High Commissioner Refugees for social cohesion programming between Sudanese refugee women and Chadian women in the host community. A further $2 million will be allocated to the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund that provides direct funding for women-led civil society groups.

“Our visit to Chad and our $10.25 million contribution reflects the UAE’s steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of women affected by the Sudan crisis," said Ms Nusseibeh.

"We are here to ensure that our support is responsive to those directly impacted and to reinforce our continuing humanitarian efforts. Our approach is centred on listening to women affected by the crisis and ensuring that our aid effectively meets their immediate and longer-term needs.

"This funding and our visit highlight the UAE’s dedication to empowering women and supporting regional stability. Without the active participation of women, there will not be sustained peace in Sudan”.

Fleeing conflict

Chad has registered more than 630,700 Sudanese refugees since April 2023, with 83 per cent of those fleeing being women and children. The war broke out in April last year after weeks of rising tension between the army and the RSF over their future role in Sudan. The conflict has had a devastating effect on the vast Afro-Arab nation of 50 million people. More than half are now facing acute hunger as a result.

The fighting has displaced nearly eight million people, with more than two million taking refuge in neighbouring nations. Together, with nearly three million Sudanese who fled their homes during previous bouts of civil strife, they have created the world's largest displacement crisis.

The war has also killed more than 20,000 people, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organisation. He said the actual death toll could be much higher.

“The conflict in Sudan has had a devastating effect on Sudanese women and children. WHO thanks the United Arab Emirates for its support, which will enable WHO to continue to provide maternal and child health services for Sudanese refugees in Chad,” said Dr Tedros.

The UAE has been a steadfast contributor of humanitarian aid since war broke out, sending $230 million in support, including 10,000 tonnes of food and medical supplies on 159 relief flights.