Saudi Arabia's efforts to support refugees: Billions of dollars in relief projects
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to solidify its global standing as one of the leading donors of humanitarian aid, paying close attention to the issues of migrants and refugees worldwide. These efforts stem from the Kingdom's deeply rooted values of aiding those in distress and supporting humanity wherever it may be, regardless of race or religion. This commitment is clearly demonstrated by the timing of these initiatives with the celebration of International Migrants Day on December 18th each year.
Historical and institutional context of relief work
The Kingdom's efforts were not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather an extension of a long history of charitable work. This journey culminated in the establishment of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center , which has become the Kingdom's humanitarian arm, unifying efforts and ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most efficiently. The Center aims to support international efforts to alleviate the suffering of displaced persons and refugees, and to provide them with a dignified life amidst the successive crises plaguing various parts of the world.
Figures reflect the scale of the donation
In numerical terms, the Kingdom provided generous support to refugees, exceeding $1.217 billion, channeled through 458 diverse relief projects. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center implemented the majority of these projects, undertaking 363 projects with a total value exceeding $502 million. This assistance covered a range of vital sectors to ensure the restoration of stability for affected families.
Food security initiatives
Faced with the threats of hunger and food shortages, the Kingdom focused its efforts on securing food for refugees in several countries:
- Jordan: Implementing food voucher distribution projects for large migrant families.
- Lebanon: Food baskets were distributed, benefiting approximately 73,990 Syrian refugees.
- Uganda: Providing food aid to 12,700 Congolese refugee families to improve their living conditions.
Healthcare: A top priority
The Kingdom did not neglect the health aspect, as it implemented quality projects to preserve the lives of refugees:
- Egypt and Sudan: Providing 100,000 dialysis sessions and supplying medicines to Sudanese patients.
- Lebanon: Strengthening health services in Baalbek Governorate for Syrian refugees and the host community, while providing psychological support.
- Poland: Implementation of a voluntary project to fit prosthetic limbs for low-income Ukrainian refugees.
Housing and infrastructure projects
The Kingdom has sought to provide safe shelter that preserves the dignity of refugees, and among the most prominent of these efforts are:
- Djibouti: The “Saudi Village” for Yemeni refugees in the Obock region was inaugurated, which includes 300 housing units and integrated service facilities such as schools, mosques and clinics.
- Jordan: Establishing 500 mobile housing units (caravans) in the Zaatari camp, and undertaking to pay the rents of widows and orphans outside the camps.
- South Sudan: Shelter provided for 3,300 affected refugees.
Education and building the future
Believing that education is the strongest weapon to confront the challenges of asylum, the center implemented educational and training programs in refugee camps, including vocational courses in electricity, sewing and health care, in addition to distributing school bags to reduce school dropout, and operating the Saudi Center for Community Service in the Zaatari camp.
Regional and international impact
These Saudi efforts contribute directly to enhancing regional stability by easing the burden on countries hosting refugees, reducing the risks of irregular migration, and combating extremism that can arise in environments of poverty and ignorance. Through these projects, the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to international conventions and human rights, striving to ensure that migrants and refugees live in peace and dignity until the reasons for their displacement are eliminated.
