Belgium has pledged €5 million for the United Nations’ humanitarian fund for Sudan in 2025–2026, the country’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced on Friday during a visit to a refugee settlement in Ethiopia.
This marks Belgium’s first contribution to the fund, which addresses what the minister described as "the world’s most significant ongoing humanitarian crisis."
The fund aims to provide direct assistance on the ground, ensuring vital support reaches those affected.
Although Belgium’s Development Cooperation department is facing a 25% budget cut imposed by the Arizona government coalition, humanitarian aid—maintained at €170 million per year—remains a priority.
Redirecting part of this aid specifically towards Sudanese refugees reflects both human and strategic considerations, according to Minister Prévot.
He explained that the focus is on creating long-term opportunities for refugees, reducing migration pressures, and preventing conflicts, ultimately enhancing global stability and European security.
The Ura camp, located near the Sudanese border in western Ethiopia, hosts 14,000 Sudanese refugees under the supervision of the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
It is one of 23 refugee camps in Ethiopia, a country currently sheltering over a million refugees from neighbouring conflicts and hosting an additional 3.5 million internally displaced Ethiopians fleeing ethnic violence.
Despite efforts to integrate refugees into the local economy, basic necessities remain in short supply. During the minister’s visit to Ura, several refugee representatives described the dire conditions they face daily, including insufficient access to food, water, and healthcare.
In addition to the €5 million for Sudan, Belgium will increase its annual contribution to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) by €3 million, bringing the total to €20 million per year. This fund plays a crucial role in supporting emergency responses worldwide, with a significant portion allocated to Sudan.
Belgium’s renewed commitment underscores its emphasis on humanitarian responsibilities while addressing the global challenges posed by displacement and conflict.
