The UAE government recognizing and celebrating World Refugee Day, sent a flight to Burkina Faso with aid material. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, and Ruler of Dubai, announced the cargo plane's departure carrying aid for the African nation to meet their humanitarian needs.

On 19 June, a chartered cargo aircraft took off from Dubai Airport for Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou. The flight is carrying aid and relief material from UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. Some materials have been contributed by the WHO as well.

The UNHCR declared an emergency recently in the African nation, calling for protection and helping more than 600,000 internally displaced people (IDPs). The IDPs are likely to increase in number in the coming weeks.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, the Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Supervision of International Humanitarian City (IHC), said under the leadership of HH bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the IHC tries to reach out to people and help organizations which are involved in the similar task to help humanity.

The latest flight which departed UAE is a perfect example of collaboration between UAE national government and international bodies such as UNHCR and WHO.

The UNHCR relief material is stored in the IHC in Dubai. The office is strategically located to rush material to places where there might be an urgent need. The refugee body is planning to provide IDPs 24,200 plastic tarps from the Dubai warehouse. The aid will significantly help the displaced people in the Sahel Region.

Nadia Jbour, Head of the UNHCR Office in the UAE, said that the agency is proud to associate with the UAE government and lauded efforts taken by authorities for quick transfer of relief material during the COVID pandemic.

Hundreds of people have been displaced in Burkina Faso due to ongoing armed violence against locals. The region hosts more than three million IDPs and returnees.

As the region has limited resources for humanitarian and developmental activities, the refugee body has launched the "Sahel Crisis Appeal." This appeal attempts to raise aid and relief material such a shelter, food. The UNHCR is also working to provide safety to those suffering from gender-related violence and promote education.

The cargo plane is carrying medicines kits, protective equipment (PPE) for medical professionals who are working to contain COVID pandemic.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO of the IHC, said it is proud to be associated with supplying aid in such critical areas, especially during the time of novel coronavirus outbreak. 

WAM