Qatar Affirms Unwavering Commitment to Partnership in Responding to Humanitarian Needs Globally

Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani

Qatar has affirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the United Nations, adding that it will remain a reliable and active partner in addressing humanitarian needs around the globe.

This was highlighted in a statement delivered by HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the humanitarian affairs segment of the UN Economic and Social Council at the UN headquarters in New York.

Her Excellency noted the increasing humanitarian demands in various parts of the world, posing unprecedented challenges in responding to these needs. The inability to access basic survival necessities or the obstruction of humanitarian aid to those in need threatens numerous individuals and communities. She emphasized that delivering humanitarian and medical assistance worldwide, especially in crisis regions caused by natural disasters or armed conflicts, should be a top priority, as the rights to food, water, and medicine are fundamental human rights.

Her Excellency highlighted the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe faced by civilians in Gaza due to Israeli aggression. Qatar continues to provide diverse humanitarian aid, including food, shelter supplies, non-food items, medical supplies, hygiene products, water, a field hospital, ambulances, and evacuation operations for patients and other affected individuals. Qatar has pledged an initial $50 million humanitarian aid package for refugees and displaced persons following the Israeli assault on Gaza.

Furthermore, Her Excellency mentioned Qatar's ongoing efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Qatar's humanitarian and developmental assistance focuses on projects in education, healthcare, shelter, livelihood, food security, agriculture, and medical supplies.

Her Excellency also referred to the third Doha meeting of Special Envoys for Afghanistan, hosted by Qatar in partnership with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2024, to discuss humanitarian and developmental challenges in Afghanistan.

In addressing the humanitarian crisis of the Sudanese people, Her Excellency said that since the onset of the crisis, Qatar has operated an air bridge to deliver vital humanitarian aid, including 567.9 tons of food, health, and shelter supplies. Her Excellency noted that this aid was provided by humanitarian organizations in Qatar, such as the Qatar Red Crescent Society and Qatar Charity, in partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development.

(QNA)