UAE has now provided Sudan $3.5bn over past 10 years Pact critical for change, says UAE’s Lana Zaki Nusseibeh ABU DHABI: The UAE has given the UNHCR $20 million to support humanitarian operations in Sudan and neighboring countries, state news agency WAM reported on Thursday. The agreement means the UAE has now provided Sudan $3.5 billion over the past 10 years. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, the UAE’s assistant minister of foreign affairs for political affairs, said: “Our commitment to humanitarian causes is reinforced through strategic partnerships such as this one with UNHCR. “Together, we can make a significant impact on the ground in Sudan, providing relief and hope to the most vulnerable. We remain steadfast in standing with the people of Sudan during this crisis.” “We look forward to working with other partners to ensure the commitments made in Paris are made tangible on the ground,” she added. Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees, said: “The people of Sudan are enduring the dreadful consequences of this brutal war and need urgent support. State contributions are essential in providing much-needed lifesaving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in Sudan (who were) forced to flee.” The UAE contribution is a part of a broader commitment of $70 million that will be used for emergency assistance for Sudan, through UN agencies and humanitarian organizations. The UAE had pledged $100 million in April at the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries.