KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Al-Rabeeah warns that humanitarian aid is insufficient without solving root causes, citing 123 million forcibly displaced worldwide.
In a stark address to the United Nations, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), called for urgent international action to tackle the record-breaking global displacement crisis, emphasizing that aid alone is a band-aid solution without addressing the conflicts that force people from their homes.
Speaking on Wednesday during a panel discussion on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, Dr. Al-Rabeeah outlined a world facing immense challenges, with over 123 million people forcibly displaced in 2024—a ratio of one in every 67 people globally.
“It is evident to everyone that conflicts are the primary cause of displacement,” stated Dr. Al-Rabeeah. “Unless solutions are found to current conflicts and new conflicts prevented, humanitarian aid alone will never be sufficient.”
From Crisis to Action: Saudi Arabia’s Dual Approach
Dr. Al-Rabeeah detailed the Kingdom’s two-pronged strategy: combining “decisive diplomacy with substantial humanitarian support.” He pointed to Saudi Arabia’s efforts in conflict resolution through dialogue and mediation, including calls to lift sanctions on Syria, strong support for a two-state solution in Palestine, and condemnation of attempts to displace Palestinians.
He also highlighted the UN’s confirmation of “famine and acts of genocide against the Palestinian people,” warning that such atrocities, if unaddressed, will exacerbate displacement crises elsewhere.
Billions in Aid and a Call to Action
The Advisor underscored Saudi Arabia’s tangible support for refugees, totaling over $1.2 billion across 457 humanitarian projects. KSrelief alone has implemented 362 projects valued at approximately $502 million, focusing on immediate aid, education, vocational training, and building long-term community resilience.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Al-Rabeeah urged UN member states to intensify efforts to resolve conflicts, adhere to international law, and increase humanitarian funding. He called for efficient use of resources, locally-led responses, and a unified international front to “end conflicts, protect civilians, and strengthen community resilience.”
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
