ABU DHABI // The UAE yesterday released a further US$60 million (Dh220m) in aid pledged to victims of the civil war in Syria.
Most of the money will provide shelter, food, health care and sanitation for Syrian and Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict: $50m will help those displaced inside Syria and the rest will support refugees in camps in Jordan.
The toughest challenge is to reach people inside the war-torn country, said Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Cooperation.
“The suffering outside can be controlled because of the camps and supporting countries but the real challenge is inside Syria to reach them,” she said.
The aid programme will be implemented on behalf of the UAE by United Nations agencies on the ground: the World Food Programme, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Health Organisation and Unicef, the UN Children’s Fund.
“We are very grateful for this extremely timely contribution from the UAE government,” the World Food Programme’s executive director Ertharin Cousin said.
“For WFP, this funding comes at a critical time. We work to meet the ongoing food assistance needs of nearly seven million Syrians who have been worn down by the three-year conflict.”
“This significant investment demonstrates the generosity of the UAE and its people as they lead by example, shouldering the burden of a crisis that has gone beyond the borders of Syria,” Ms Cousin said.
“Your support also reflects humanitarian solidarity with the countries hosting refugees. You are saving lives of innocent children, vulnerable men and women.”
A lack of funding forced the WFP to reduce by 20 per cent the March food basket provided to vulnerable families inside Syria.
Muhannad Hadi, its emergency coordinator for Syria, said: “We are grateful to the generosity of our donors, whose contributions have enabled us to save lives, but our emergency operation is running hand-to-mouth and our funding has now reached dangerous levels.”
Unicef also welcomed the new aid.
"This generous support from the UAE comes at a critical time for Syrian children. As the human costs of the conflict grow, the commitment of partners such as the UAE is increasingly important," said its executive director, Anthony Lake.
The UAE pledged $300m in 2013 at the humanitarian conference for Syria in Kuwait and another $60m in January. The latter sum was allocated yesterday.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, said the problem of Syrian refugees has become an international issue and required concerted efforts to alleviate the suffering of people from the conflict that claimed the lives of thousands of people and displaced millions of others.
About $110m has been spent by the UAE, including the private sector and individuals, since 2012 in providing aid to the victims of the Syrian crisis.
Sheikha Lubna’s ministry estimates that nine million people need aid and protection. There are 6.5 million internally displaced, and 2.6 million have taken refuge in neighbouring countries such as Jordan and Turkey.
anwar@thenational.ae
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UAE FIXTURES
October 18 – 7.30pm, UAE v Oman, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 19 – 7.30pm, UAE v Ireland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 21 – 2.10pm, UAE v Hong Kong, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 22 – 2.10pm, UAE v Jersey, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 24 – 10am, UAE v Nigeria, Abu Dhabi Cricket Oval 1
October 27 – 7.30pm, UAE v Canada, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 29 – 2.10pm, Playoff 1 – A2 v B3; 7.30pm, Playoff 2 – A3 v B2, at Dubai International Stadium.
October 30 – 2.10pm, Playoff 3 – A4 v Loser of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Playoff 4 – B4 v Loser of Play-off 2 at Dubai International Stadium
November 1 – 2.10pm, Semifinal 1 – B1 v Winner of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Semifinal 2 – A1 v Winner of Play-off 2 at Dubai International Stadium
November 2 – 2.10pm, Third place Playoff – B1 v Winner of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Final, at Dubai International Stadium
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
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