Page 85 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

Section 03
85
UAE Humanitarian Assistance

Emergency water and sanitation

In 2022, the UAE took proactive steps to address the Backing this noble endeavor, in 2019, the UAE has
pressing needs for emergency water and sanitation, pledged a significant sum of AED 110.2 million (USD
particularly in regions grappling with acute water 30.0 million). Of this, AED 3.9 million (USD 1.05 million)
scarcity. Sinjar, in Iraq, stands as a poignant example was disbursed in 2022. Parallel to this, in Somalia,
of such areas, where access to clean water— the UAE’s commitment persisted, as it continued to
universally recognized as a fundamental human right— champion projects that ensure the provision of safe
remains alarmingly scarce. The aftermath of conflicts drinking water to its residents.
has left the inhabitants of Sinjar contending with
severely compromised water, sanitation, and hygiene Yet, the nation’s efforts surpass mere immediate
(WASH) infrastructures. The majority of returnees are relief. The UAE ardently champions global advocacy
confronted with the daunting realities of polluted water for humanitarian causes, seeking to amplify the
sources. Given the economic strains, bottled water, voices of those most vulnerable. As the country
though safer, is often beyond their means, leading strides towards becoming a nexus for humanitarian
many to consume potentially harmful, contaminated discourse and research, initiatives like the Dubai
water, risking their health. International Humanitarian Aid and Development
(DIHAD) and the International Humanitarian City serve
Understanding the gravity of this situation, Nadia’s as pivotal platforms. The strategic positioning of the
Initiative embarked on an ambitious endeavor to UAE, especially as it hosts numerous international
rejuvenate the WASH facilities in Sinjar. This includes organizations, reinforces its stature as the world’s most
pivotal establishments such as schools, clinics, significant hub for humanitarian operations. As the
farms, and villages. But beyond mere reconstruction, year 2022 has demonstrated, the UAE’s contributions
the initiative emphasizes the importance of water extend beyond mere financial or material support
management training and hygiene education. By towards global humanitarian assistance; they resonate
doing so, it seeks to instill a sense of empowerment with a deeper ethos of global unity, compassion, and
within the community, enabling them to autonomously shared responsibility.
maintain their water sources and adopt healthier living
standards.

A well drilling project in Somalia as part of an urgent relief campaign for Somalia.
Source: Dar al Ber Society