Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts: Billions of dollars to support refugees through the King Salman Center

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to solidify its position as a beacon of international humanitarian work, reaffirming its moral and religious commitment to those afflicted and in need around the world. These stances are not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long history of giving that has placed the Kingdom among the world's leading donor nations, as it consistently strives to promote human dignity and uphold human rights regardless of race or religion.

In the context of institutionalizing this humanitarian work, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center , established by royal decree to serve as the Kingdom's humanitarian arm, plays a pivotal role in improving the conditions of migrants and refugees. The Center operates according to precise mechanisms and international standards to ensure that aid reaches those who need it, dedicating all its resources to supporting international efforts to alleviate the suffering of internally displaced persons and those forcibly evicted.

Figures reflecting the scale of Saudi generosity

In numerical terms that reflect the scale of this generous support, the Kingdom provided refugees with aid exceeding $1.217 billion . This support was channeled through 458 diverse relief projects, 363 of which were directly implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, with a total value exceeding $502 million. These projects covered vital sectors such as food security, healthcare, shelter, and education, aiming to help refugee families regain their balance and stability after devastating crises.

Enhancing food security and combating hunger

Recognizing the importance of food as a fundamental right, the center has given considerable attention to the food security sector:

• In Jordan: The center implemented a project to distribute food vouchers to large migrant families (5 people or more).
• In Lebanon: Approximately 73,990 Syrian refugees benefited from the distributed food baskets.
• In Uganda: The helping hands of charity extended to 12,700 Congolese refugee families, contributing to a tangible improvement in their living conditions.

Healthcare... a balm for wounds

The center did not overlook the health aspect, which is a fundamental pillar in the lives of refugees, and implemented quality projects that included:

• Providing 100,000 dialysis sessions and supplying medicines to Sudanese patients in Egypt.
• Strengthening health services in the Baalbek Governorate of Lebanon for refugees and the host community, while linking them to information systems for sustainable follow-up.
• Implementing a voluntary medical project to fit prosthetic limbs for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, targeting those with limited income.

Housing and infrastructure projects

In the housing sector, the Kingdom's projects have emerged as a model to be emulated in providing a decent life:

• The Saudi Village in Djibouti: It was launched by the center in 2018 for Yemeni refugees and includes 300 residential units and integrated service facilities such as mosques, clinics and schools.
• South Sudan: Providing safe shelter for 3,300 refugees.
• Jordan: Establishing 500 mobile housing units (caravans) in the Zaatari camp, in addition to the center undertaking to pay the rents of widows and orphans of Syrian refugees outside the camps.

Education: Building the Future of Generations

Believing that education is the most powerful weapon to face the challenges of the future, the center implemented intensive educational and training programs, especially for Syrian refugees in Jordan. These efforts included operating the Saudi Community Service Center in the Zaatari camp, providing vocational courses in electricity and sewing, and distributing school bags to reduce school dropout rates and ensure children's right to education.

These ongoing efforts coincide with the Kingdom’s participation with the world in celebrating International Migrants Day on December 18, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to improving the economic and social conditions of refugees and working diligently to reduce the causes of asylum and migration, in pursuit of a world of peace and human dignity.