UAE defies odds to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance

The United Arab Emirates, UAE, has defied the odds in areas affected by humanitarian crises by adopting major humanitarian and development projects, to improve living conditions and ease the suffering of victims and other people affected by disasters, said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC.

''The UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is playing a pivotal role in advancing global humanitarian work and its values, and it is working to transform its work from an urgent response to an emergency or a crisis, to sustainable projects that provide for the needs of marginalised communities and poor people,'' Sheikh Hamdan added, in a statement preceding World Humanitarian Day, which is held annually on 19th August.

''Thanks to the initiatives launched by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE has become a launchpad for creative humanitarian, development and relief programmes, and a staunch advocate and supporter of humanitarian efforts,'' Sheikh Hamdan further added while reiterating the UAE's commitment to its humanitarian mandate, to alleviate the suffering of those in distress.

Sheikh Hamdan also spoke about the UAE’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty, fight hunger and malnutrition, alleviate suffering and provide for the basic needs of people in the least developed countries, LDC, regardless of sex, colour or race.

He also called on benevolent international authorities to condemn any acts that violate international humanitarian conventions.

''The challenges facing humanitarians on the ground will only strengthen our resolve to reach our noble goals and principles, and will make us more committed towards our targeted groups, regardless of where they are,'' he added.

The current crises and conflicts in the region have posed considerable challenges for humanitarian and relief providers, which require a strong commitment and their combined efforts, to improve the living conditions of affected people.

He appealed to good people around the world to make World Humanitarian Day an ideal opportunity to rally their energies and mobilise efforts, to address and avert the risks facing humanity.

Sheikh Hamdan concluded his statement by paying tribute to humanitarian volunteers and aid workers, for their dedication, devotion and courage in defying the challenges and risks that they face in certain areas experiencing crises.

Humanitarian partners are coming together this year under the "#NotATarget" campaign, to highlight the need to protect civilians affected by conflict, including humanitarian and medical workers.

World Humanitarian Day is held every year on 19th August to pay tribute to aid workers who have risked and lost their lives in humanitarian service. The Day was designated by the General Assembly in 2008 to coincide with the date of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. Each year, World Humanitarian Day focuses on a theme, bringing together stakeholders from across the humanitarian system to advocate for survival, well-being, and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.