Reem Al Hashimy Meets OCHA Official to Address Sudan Crisis

Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, met with Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The meeting took place in Geneva, Switzerland, and focused on the growing humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the urgent steps needed to bring relief and stability to the country.

During the discussion, both leaders highlighted the importance of the ongoing US mediation efforts. They agreed that these efforts, together with the work of the Quad countries, are essential in pushing for an unconditional and immediate ceasefire in Sudan. The conflict has continued to cause severe suffering for civilians, and both sides stressed that a complete halt to the fighting is necessary before meaningful progress can be made.

Al Hashimy and Fletcher also expressed deep concern about the rising humanitarian needs across Sudan. Millions of people have been displaced, and many families lack access to food, clean water, medical services, and safe shelter. Because the situation continues to worsen, both officials agreed that humanitarian support must reach people quickly and without any obstacles.

A major part of their conversation focused on the need for safe, fast, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan. They emphasized that aid agencies must be able to move freely so they can deliver life-saving assistance to communities trapped by violence. Ensuring freedom of movement for aid workers was described as essential to preventing further loss of life.

Protecting civilians remains one of the top priorities for the international community. Al Hashimy and Fletcher discussed the urgent need to safeguard people who are caught in the fighting. They stressed that all groups involved in the conflict must respect international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians, hospitals, schools, and other essential services.

Both officials also spoke about the importance of accountability. They noted that those responsible for serious crimes and atrocities must be held to account. Ensuring justice for victims is necessary not only for healing but also for creating long-term peace and stability in Sudan.

Another key point raised during the meeting was the urgent need for increased funding. Humanitarian organisations working in Sudan are facing major financial shortages, making it difficult for them to provide food, medicine, and shelter at the scale needed. Al Hashimy and Fletcher agreed that the international community must step up and provide stronger financial support to ensure that principled humanitarian assistance can continue.

The UAE has consistently supported peace and humanitarian efforts in Sudan, and this meeting reflects the country’s continued engagement in finding solutions. Al Hashimy reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to helping reduce suffering and working closely with international partners to support a peaceful future for the Sudanese people.

Tom Fletcher welcomed the UAE’s active role and stressed that cooperation between global partners is necessary to manage a crisis of this scale. He noted that coordinated international action can help reduce violence, improve access, and provide relief to millions of people who urgently need help.

The meeting concluded with both leaders calling for stronger global unity and faster action. They expressed hope that sustained diplomatic efforts, combined with expanded humanitarian support, would bring relief to Sudan and help the country move toward peace and stability.