Doha, May 19 (QNA) - HE United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said that the State of Qatar plays a prominent and influential role in providing humanitarian aid, leading mediation efforts, protecting civilians, and offering essential hope and opportunities for people who are in the midst of crises and suffering, expressing his deep gratitude for Qatar's efforts.
In his speech at the opening session of the High-Level Strategic Dialogue Between the State of Qatar and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) held in Doha on Sunday, His Excellency stated that the objective of this dialogue is to provide support to those in need all over the world, especially in three regions, one of which is the Gaza Strip which is experiencing an unbearable crisis, with the border crossings shut and famine threatening more than 600,000 people in the north while another 1,100,000 people are suffering in Rafah, adding that there is no way to describe this blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
Griffiths called for the need to focus on the future and instill hope in people's hearts because, without hope, one is left with nothing. His Excellency added that aside from the killings, displacement, and deprivation, taking place in the strip, one of Gaza's greatest tragedies is the killing of hope, human essence, and what keeps them going and ready to struggle for a future for their children and families.
HE the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator expressed his deep concern about the war in Sudan, which is experiencing its worst and most dangerous conflict in its history and in Africa, threatening more than 5 million people with famine. His Excellency highlighted the attempts made for some time now to bring success to entry negotiations, yet with no luck. Griffiths continued by saying that this conflict is unnecessary and could have been easily avoided and that its repercussions are not yet apparent.
HE Griffiths also touched on Afghanistan and the State of Qatar's role in receiving those fleeing the war there, noting that the world needs to determine a clear path and road map for the future of the Afghan people and to find ways to meet their legitimate needs, regardless of their rulers.
The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator added that these three regions remind one that the world is an unsafe place, with conflict and climate being the primary catalysts for human needs, which are increasing greatly, while at the same time, the gap between those needs and resources is widening. He added that as a result, this meeting helps profoundly in bridging this gap and providing solutions, especially given that the State of Qatar is a pioneer in that regard.
In turn, Director of the Financing and Partnerships Division at OCHA Lisa Doughten explained that the gap between needs and funding is widening, something that the State of Qatar has taken note of and is thus, providing a number of in-kind assistance, diplomatic support, and providing funding to support humanitarian efforts.
Doughten added that OCHA coordinates the global humanitarian response to help 181 million people in 72 countries, putting it at the center of the humanitarian aid system, therefore, it enjoys a unique position to bring about transformation in coordination with partners, especially the State of Qatar.
The Director of the Financing and Partnerships Division at OCHA reviewed the office's efforts in reforming resource and cost prioritization, in order to manage to meet needs and overcome challenges through in-depth analysis, prioritizing, and placing the afflicted at the center of the humanitarian response.
Moreover, she referred to an OCHA 3-year long pilot project being tried out in Colombia, Niger, the Philippines, and South Sudan, in addition to leading a global diplomacy campaign to reduce humanitarian tragedies and working on enhancing access to aid for those affected by the earthquake that hit Turkiye and Syria.
Doughten continued that the office has facilitated the opening of two additional border crossings in northern and western Syria, in order to deliver more aid, and in Gaza, despite the difficult conditions, OCHA has enhanced the delivery of aid, ensured its continuity, and involved all stakeholders. She added that the pooled funds for Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean were launched to ensure a rapid and smooth humanitarian response. (QNA)