Al Rabeeah Delivers Saudi Speech on Sudan Humanitarian Crisis

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Royal Court Advisor and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), delivered a speech on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at a high-level meeting on the humanitarian situation in Sudan during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York. The meeting, titled “The Cost of Inaction: Urgent and Collective Support to Scale Up the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region,” brought together international stakeholders to address the escalating crisis. Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian principles and regional stability.

Context and Background

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has deepened since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, displacing millions and creating urgent needs for food, shelter, and medical care. In response, Saudi Arabia has played a leading role in mobilizing international support. The Jeddah Declaration, brokered by Saudi Arabia, was a critical first step aimed at protecting civilians and ensuring the delivery of urgent relief aid. Additionally, the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group has recently helped thousands of needy people in Darfur. Despite these efforts, recent escalations of violence in some areas have worsened the situation, forcing millions to flee their homes and leaving behind everything they own.

Key Details

During his speech, Dr. Al Rabeeah underscored Saudi Arabia’s substantial contributions to Sudan. “The Kingdom has provided over $3 billion in support to Sudan, including $132 million in humanitarian aid distributed across various geographical areas and humanitarian sectors,” he said. He noted that prior to the crisis, KSrelief focused on sustainable interventions, but the worsening conditions necessitated a shift to immediate assistance. Since April 2023, KSrelief has implemented more than 70 humanitarian projects at a cost exceeding $73 million in collaboration with UN organizations and other humanitarian groups. Dr. Al Rabeeah also highlighted the series of Saudi humanitarian air and sea missions organized by KSrelief to address urgent challenges, funded through government and public support as part of the KSrelief National Aid Campaign to Provide Urgent Relief for the People of Sudan. He stressed that despite these efforts, challenges persist, and the crisis’s impact necessitates collective action to provide unrestricted humanitarian aid and ensure a sustainable, coordinated response with safe and unhindered access to conflict-affected areas.

Implications and Impact

The meeting served as a platform for the international community to recognize the urgency of the situation in Sudan and the need for scaled-up support. Dr. Al Rabeeah’s remarks underscored Saudi Arabia’s role as a global humanitarian leader and its commitment to alleviating human suffering. The Kingdom’s efforts are part of its broader vision to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond. By providing substantial financial and logistical support, Saudi Arabia is helping to address the immediate needs of the Sudanese people while also working towards long-term solutions. The international community’s response to the crisis will have significant implications for regional stability and the well-being of millions of Sudanese civilians.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts in Sudan are closely aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes social responsibility, global engagement, and the promotion of sustainable development. Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia continues to extend a helping hand to those in need, reflecting the Kingdom’s values of compassion and solidarity. As Dr. Al Rabeeah concluded, “As a humanitarian community, we must deal with the humanitarian crisis in Sudan away from political considerations. It is a humanitarian tragedy that requires transcending divisions, and together, we can make a real change that ensures all Sudanese people enjoy equal opportunities to rebuild their lives.” The Kingdom remains committed to doing everything possible to end the crisis and achieve stability and security for Sudan and its people.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did Dr. Al Rabeeah participate in?

A1. Dr. Al Rabeeah participated in a high-level meeting on the humanitarian situation in Sudan during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Q2. What was the title of the meeting?

A2. The meeting was titled “The Cost of Inaction: Urgent and Collective Support to Scale Up the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region.”

Q3. On whose behalf did Dr. Al Rabeeah deliver his speech?

A3. Dr. Al Rabeeah delivered his speech on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian causes.

Q4. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah say about the Sudanese people?

A4. He noted that the Sudanese people are facing enormous challenges, working to overcome them, and deserve much from the international community.

Q5. What was the first step mentioned by Dr. Al Rabeeah to address the crisis?

A5. The Jeddah Declaration was the first step, aiming to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of urgent relief aid to affected areas.

Q6. What group recently helped thousands in Darfur?

A6. The Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group recently helped thousands of needy people in Darfur through its coordinated efforts.

Q7. What has worsened the humanitarian situation in Sudan?

A7. The recent escalation of violence in some areas has worsened the situation, forcing millions to flee their homes and leave behind everything they own.

Q8. How much support has Saudi Arabia provided to Sudan?

A8. The Kingdom has provided over $3 billion in support to Sudan, including $132 million in humanitarian aid distributed across various geographical areas and sectors.

Q9. What was KSrelief’s focus before the crisis?

A9. Prior to the crisis in April 2023, KSrelief focused on implementing sustainable interventions to support the Sudanese people in the long term.

Q10. How many humanitarian projects has KSrelief implemented since April 2023?

A10. KSrelief has implemented more than 70 humanitarian projects since April 2023 at a cost exceeding $73 million in collaboration with UN organizations and other humanitarian groups.

Q11. What types of missions has KSrelief organized for Sudan?

A11. KSrelief has organized a series of humanitarian air and sea missions to address urgent challenges, funded through government and public support as part of the KSrelief National Aid Campaign.

Q12. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah say about the challenges that persist?

A12. He explained that despite KSrelief’s efforts, challenges persist, and the crisis’s impact necessitates collective action to provide unrestricted humanitarian aid and ensure a sustainable, coordinated response.

Q13. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah conclude about the humanitarian crisis?

A13. He concluded that as a humanitarian community, we must deal with the crisis away from political considerations and transcend divisions to make a real change.

Q14. What does the Kingdom continue to do for Sudan?

A14. The Kingdom continues to do everything possible to end the crisis and achieve stability and security for Sudan and its people.

Q15. How does Saudi Arabia’s support for Sudan align with Vision 2030?

A15. It aligns with Vision 2030’s emphasis on social responsibility, global engagement, and sustainable development, reflecting the Kingdom’s values of compassion and solidarity.

Q16. What is the KSrelief National Aid Campaign?

A16. The KSrelief National Aid Campaign is a fundraising initiative to provide urgent relief for the people of Sudan, supported by both government and public contributions.

Q17. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah say about the delivery of aid?

A17. He emphasized the need for safe and unhindered access to conflict-affected areas to ensure a sustainable and coordinated humanitarian response.

Q18. How has the conflict affected KSrelief’s operations?

A18. The worsening humanitarian conditions due to the conflict have undermined sustainable interventions, necessitating a shift to providing immediate assistance to those in need.

Q19. What is the significance of the Jeddah Declaration?

A19. The Jeddah Declaration was a critical first step aimed at protecting civilians and ensuring the delivery of urgent relief aid, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic leadership.

Q20. What role does Saudi Arabia play in the international response to Sudan?

A20. Saudi Arabia plays a leading role by providing substantial financial and logistical support, mobilizing international efforts, and advocating for a coordinated humanitarian response.

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