Donor Conference: Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, is hosting a donor conference on October 26 to support displaced people and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, in collaboration with the OIC, OCHA, and UNHCR.
Humanitarian Needs: The conference aims to mobilize resources for immediate humanitarian aid and development projects, addressing the needs of nearly 33 million people, including 11 million displaced individuals, exacerbated by drought and regional instability.
Global Call to Action: The event seeks to enhance international cooperation and support, with leaders from the OIC and UN emphasizing the need for financial contributions and coordinated efforts to tackle the ongoing crises and improve conditions for affected communities.
Riyadh, August 24, 2024 – In a pivotal move to address the escalating humanitarian crises affecting several West African nations, Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has announced the hosting of a crucial donor conference. Scheduled for October 26, this conference will be held in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and in coordination with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The primary focus will be to rally support for displaced individuals and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, a vital step towards alleviating severe humanitarian needs.
The upcoming conference aims to mobilize essential resources for humanitarian and development projects that address the urgent needs of affected populations, including the displaced and refugees. It will place a special emphasis on supporting UN-coordinated humanitarian response plans. The event is designed not only to increase awareness of the multifaceted crisis but also to forge robust partnerships that enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian responses and support long-term solutions for the region’s challenges.
According to the United Nations, nearly 33 million people across the Sahel and Lake Chad region are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection. This figure includes 11 million individuals who are internally displaced or seeking refuge within the region. The prolonged crises in these areas, exacerbated by severe drought in Lake Chad—a crucial resource for millions—have led to significant social and economic instability, disrupting livelihoods and deepening the humanitarian emergency.
Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, expressed a strong commitment to supporting the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. He emphasized that the conference is a critical step towards mobilizing the necessary resources and forming partnerships to address the urgent humanitarian needs in these troubled areas.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha conveyed his pride in implementing the decision of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and urged donor member states, institutions, and international partners to seize this opportunity to provide financial resources. The goal is to improve conditions for vulnerable communities in these crisis-stricken regions.
Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, underscored the unprecedented nature of the crisis facing the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. She highlighted that the conference represents a crucial opportunity for the international community and affected countries to come together, not only to address immediate humanitarian needs but also to assist the region in overcoming ongoing challenges and realizing its potential.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi added his voice to the call for support, stressing the importance of aiding forcibly displaced populations and their host communities. He expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and the OIC for their significant efforts to address the severe funding shortfall in the region and emphasized the need for continued international solidarity and action.