Saudi Arabia’s Ongoing Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts in Yemen Highlighted at SOM VII in Brussels
On October 10, 2023, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, represented by Dr. Hanaa Omar, the advisor to the center’s director and head of the Partnerships and International Relations Department, participated in the seventh high-level humanitarian officials meeting concerning Yemen (SOM VII). This significant event took place in Brussels, under the auspices of the European Commission and the Swedish government. The meeting was chaired by Andreas Papaconstantinou, the Director for the Middle East at the European Commission, with the participation of EU Commissioner for Equality and Crisis Preparedness, Haija Lahbib, along with representatives from numerous donor countries, international organizations, UN bodies, and local Yemeni humanitarian entities.
During her address, Dr. Hanaa Omar emphasized the paramount importance of adhering to international law and the principles of humanitarian work. She underscored the necessity for the protection of humanitarian workers and highlighted the critical need for accurate and updated data. This data is vital for understanding the actual humanitarian needs and guiding aid distribution effectively, ensuring fairness while also preventing politicization of assistance efforts.
Dr. Omar further advocated for enhanced coordination among all stakeholders involved in humanitarian efforts to avoid duplication of actions, thereby ensuring a sustainable impact. She provided an overview of Saudi Arabia’s extensive humanitarian contributions to Yemen over the past decades, which have exceeded $27 billion. This includes more than 1,050 humanitarian projects realized through the King Salman Center, amounting to over $4 billion dedicated to supporting various humanitarian sectors, alongside numerous voluntary initiatives.
In concluding her speech, Dr. Omar reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintaining its leading role in humanitarian endeavors. She affirmed the Kingdom’s intention to strengthen effective humanitarian partnerships and integrate international efforts to alleviate human suffering and foster stability and sustainable development in Yemen.
Participants engaged in closed sessions discussed the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing Yemen, particularly in light of escalating violations of international humanitarian law. They addressed the increasing risks encountered by humanitarian workers and the widening gap in humanitarian financing. Discussions also included updates related to the humanitarian response plan, exploring methods to enhance its effectiveness to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable and needy populations.
The event reflected a collective recognition of the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where millions continue to suffer from the repercussions of protracted conflict. The dialogue aimed to foster collaboration and devise innovative strategies to mitigate the impact of the crisis, advocating for a more coordinated global response to meet the escalating humanitarian requirements.
Moreover, the ongoing discussions reaffirmed the intent of the international community to work collaboratively, ensuring that humanitarian interventions are efficiently and equitably implemented. The critical role of accurate data in shaping strategies and responses was also spotlighted, emphasizing the significance of understanding the on-ground realities to effectively address the needs of the Yemeni population.
Overall, the SOM VII meeting served as a vital platform for reinforcing commitments and strategies towards alleviating humanitarian suffering in Yemen, showcasing a united front in the pursuit of sustainable solutions amid complex challenges. As international and local entities continue to navigate these turbulent waters, the hope remains for concrete outcomes that will lead to improved conditions for the Yemeni people.
