Qatar has participated in a high-level ministerial event to enhance support for the humanitarian response in Sudan and the surrounding region.
The event was co-hosted by Saudi Arabia, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Representing Qatar at the event was HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater.
In her speech, HE AlKhater highlighted the tragic situation in Sudan, where the ongoing war has devastated infrastructure, displaced millions, and severely impacted health and education services.
She drew attention to the alarming levels of hunger, with 14mn people suffering from acute hunger and 13 areas on the brink of famine despite the country being an agricultural one, stressing that Sudanese women are disproportionately affected by violence and lawlessness.
HE AlKhater emphasised that Sudan's crisis requires both political and humanitarian solutions, and warned against reducing Sudan's plight to a mere refugee issue.
She praised Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts through the Jeddah platform and commended Egypt’s political and humanitarian contributions.
She called for Sudan to be placed back on the international agenda and to remain a priority for the global community.
Qatar, HE AlKhater noted, has provided $75mn in aid through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) since the start of the war, with additional contributions of over $21mn from non-governmental organisations like Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent Society. – QNA
