Saudi Arabia to Host Ministerial Donor Conference Addressing Sahel and Lake Chad Humanitarian Crisis
Saudi Arabia has officially announced its intention to host a high-level ministerial donor conference aimed at addressing the pressing humanitarian crisis affecting Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. This important event is scheduled for October 26, 2024, and will be carried out with the support of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The primary objective of the conference is to mobilize essential resources and coordinate efforts to deliver vital assistance to millions of individuals in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. According to estimates from the United Nations, approximately 33 million people within this region are in urgent need of humanitarian aid and protection, which includes around 11 million internally displaced persons and refugees.
The conference will be co-hosted by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and the OIC, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This collaboration signifies a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges the Sahel and Lake Chad region has faced for over a decade. The ongoing social and economic instability, coupled with the adverse effects of Lake Chad’s diminishing water level, has intensified the crisis.
The focus of the conference will be on mobilizing resources for humanitarian and developmental initiatives, particularly those aligned with UN-coordinated humanitarian response plans (HRPs). Additionally, the event aims to foster robust partnerships that promote effective long-term solutions to these enduring challenges.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, underscored the significance of this conference, stating, “This conference is a critical step towards mobilizing the necessary resources and forging partnerships to address the pressing humanitarian needs in these areas. Jointly, we can bring hope and relief to millions.”
In a similar vein, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha urged member states and international partners to provide the requisite financial resources necessary to improve conditions in the affected regions, underscoring the conference’s vital role in actualizing the OIC’s Resolution by the Council of Foreign Ministers.
Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, emphasized that the conference represents a crucial opportunity for the international community to rally support for both the immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term potential of the region.
Furthermore, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We must spare no effort to assist forcibly displaced populations and the communities that host them.” He expressed appreciation for the contributions of Saudi Arabia, the OIC, and other partners in addressing the significant funding shortages that the region currently faces.
The upcoming conference promises high-level discussions targeting the urgent needs of vulnerable communities in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. Its focus on sustainable and impactful solutions denotes a strong commitment to lasting change in these deeply affected areas.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s initiative to host this pivotal donor conference signifies a crucial step toward addressing the humanitarian challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, fostering cooperation and sustainable solutions vital for improving the livelihoods of millions.
Source: United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.
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