Juba: The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of South Sudan, in coordination with international delegations, organized a significant humanitarian mission to the Gorom Refugee Camp in Juba, expressing solidarity with communities displaced by conflicts in neighboring regions, particularly Sudanese refugees.
According to Emirates News Agency, the mission was spearheaded by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, alongside senior officials from South Sudan and high-level delegations from multiple nations, including Birtkuan Ayano, Minister of State of Ethiopia. Delegations from regional organizations, humanitarian agencies, ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic corps in South Sudan joined the discussions aimed at enhancing humanitarian responses and seeking long-term solutions for refugees. Participants also engaged in the distribution of food packages to the camp's residents.
The humanitarian visit coincided with Zayed Humanitarian Day, observed by the UAE on the 19th of Ramadan annually, symbolizing the nation's values of compassion, coexistence, and tolerance. The UAE continues its extensive efforts to support and provide relief to those in need globally, reinforcing its stance as a leader in humanitarian initiatives.
On March 7, 2025, the UAE inaugurated the Madhol Field Hospital in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan, featuring a 100-bed capacity and several specialized clinics. This facility aims to address the urgent healthcare needs of approximately two million individuals, including the local community, South Sudanese returnees from Sudan, and Sudanese refugees. This hospital marks the third such facility established by the UAE in the region, following the success of two field hospitals in Chad, which have collectively treated around 90,000 people.
The UAE has consistently prioritized humanitarian aid and civilian protection as core components of its foreign policy, especially focusing on vulnerable groups such as the sick, children, the elderly, and women. The nation has pledged an additional US$200 million in aid during the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan held in Addis Ababa, aiming to serve as a catalyst for future international support conferences.
Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has provided US$600.4 million for humanitarian responses and delivered US$3.5 billion in aid over the past decade. This includes dispatching 160 aircraft with relief supplies and distributing 12,000 tonnes of food, medical, and relief supplies to Sudanese people.
Mangar Buong Aluong, Deputy Minister of Interior of South Sudan, highlighted the UAE's unwavering dedication to the Sudanese people. The humanitarian mission to Gorom camp underlines the UAE's commitment to fostering international cooperation to enhance the humanitarian response for refugees and displaced persons, addressing their critical needs.
Birtkuan Ayano, Minister of State of Ethiopia, expressed her gratitude to both the UAE and South Sudan for organizing the visit, which shed light on the dire situation of refugees and displaced persons during Ramadan. She stressed the importance of collective empathy and action to support those affected by conflict and displacement.
Monday Semeya, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan, welcomed the delegations to Juba and expressed gratitude to the UAE for its support to the Gorom refugee camp. He emphasized the necessity of international collaboration to assist the 1.1 million people displaced by the Sudan crisis, ensuring their essential needs are met and their suffering alleviated.