The UAE signs a cooperation agreement with the Norwegian Refugee Council to provide assistance to refugees in East Africa

The Emirates International Aid Agency signed a cooperation agreement with the Norwegian Refugee Council regarding providing assistance to refugees in East Africa, with the aim of expanding the scope of humanitarian assistance provided to residents of countries affected by wars and conflicts, and supporting refugee host communities in Ethiopia, Uganda and other countries in the East African continent.

In the presence of the UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway, Fatima Khamis Al Mazrouei, the agreement was signed by the Executive Director of Logistics Support at the Emirates International Aid Agency, Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, and the Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland. Under the agreement, the UAE will provide a grant amounting to 8 million US dollars to support humanitarian aid activities for refugees in host countries on the African continent.

In this regard, Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, head of the Emirates International Aid Agency, stressed the UAE’s commitment to supporting refugees forcibly displaced from their homes in East Africa due to ongoing wars and conflicts, which are considered among the worst humanitarian crises in the world, as this agreement will contribute to alleviating the suffering of those affected and ensuring the provision of the necessary humanitarian support quickly and effectively.

Al Ameri pointed out the importance of this agreement by harnessing the operational expertise of the Norwegian Refugee Council in helping displaced refugees, providing basic services such as shelter, clean water, sanitation, and education, as well as providing protection for vulnerable groups such as women and children.

For his part, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland, said: “We thank the UAE for this support, which will enable us to expand the scope of our sublime humanitarian work to save the lives of displaced refugee families in need of necessary assistance in Ethiopia, Uganda, and other regions in the eastern African continent.”

He added, “At a time when global humanitarian funding faces several challenges that prevent millions of affected people from obtaining humanitarian aid, UAE support represents an important and vital step to overcome such challenges, as our partnership with the UAE embodies the solidarity necessary to meet the increasing humanitarian needs and preserve the dignity of those affected by crises.”