Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH – King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (KSRelief) has implemented 419 projects with the support of 123 local and international organizations at a total cost of more than $1.8 billion since its establishment in May 2015.

Saudi Arabia established the center as part of its humanitarian endeavors to alleviate the suffering of people all over the world, especially victims of civil wars and natural calamities. The center distributes its aid with the support of international agencies.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser at the royal court and general supervisor of KSRelief, said the organization was instrumental in changing the perception of relief work in coordination with UN agencies. “The center wants to become a model for international relief work,” he said.

Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, the supervisor said the center’s humanitarian activities have covered 40 countries around the world during the last three years. “We have provided them with a number of relief, humanitarian and developmental aid during this period.”

Dr. Al-Rabeeah said the center has made it a point that its projects and services meet the requirements of the victims of civil wars and natural calamities. The center’s activities include food security, tent management, shelter, health services, safety, education and environmental protection.

“We also support humanitarian operations, extend logistic services and make emergency contacts. Our activities are also centered on several pivotal points to back the Kingdom’s policy of extending a helping hand to the needy people all over the world,” he explained.

He said the center extends its humanitarian services without any ulterior motives or vested interests. “We consult and coordinate with international relief and humanitarian agencies and apply international standards in the field of relief and humanitarian work.”

Al-Rabeeah said the center extends quality services making use of the expertise of its workers and international organizations and makes sure that its assistance reached the most deserved.

In a related development, KSRelief has contributed $1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to help provide urgently needed food assistance to Palestine refugees in Syria.

The contribution was detailed in the first cooperation agreement between KSRelief and UNRWA, which was signed in Riyadh by UNRWA Commissioner General Pierre Krähenbühl and Dr. Al-Rabeeah.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief for this generous contribution. It will help ensure that Palestine refugees affected by the devastating conflict in Syria feel they are not forgotten, particularly as the harsh winter months approach,” said Krähenbühl in a statement.

“We are deeply encouraged by this promising new agreement with the center, as well as by our continued partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has enabled us to provide critical services to Palestine refugees across the region, including at times of emergencies,” he said.

Al-Rabeeah said, “We look forward to a long, successful partnership with UNRWA. We place great trust in the agency and are very appreciative of the role it plays in diligently assisting Palestine refugees.” KSRelief is currently the second-largest donor to UNRWA.