Bahrain’s Royal Humanitarian Foundation signs agreement to support earthquake relief efforts in Afghanistan

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency announced a US$ 1 million agreement with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), a Bahraini foundation, to support the relief efforts in earthquake-hit regions of Afghanistan.

The agreement was signed in Kabul by UNHCR Representative Leonard Zulu and the Secretary-General of RHF Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed in the presence of UNHCR Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries Khaled Khalifa.

In this agreement, the Royal Humanitarian Foundation will support UNHCR’s relief efforts in areas of southeastern Afghanistan that were struck by a deadly earthquake in late June that killed some 800 people and injured many others – the country’s worst earthquake in 20 years.

“This generous assistance will support the most urgent needs of earthquake-affected residents in the three worst-affected districts of southeastern Afghanistan, Giyan and Bermal in Paktika Province and Spera in Khost Province, with the construction of earthquake-resistant homes, protection services, and the delivery of essential relief items,” said UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan Leonard Zulu.

The Secretary-General of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation praised UNHCR’s efforts in providing relief to vulnerable persons.

“This grant affirms the Royal Humanitarian Foundation’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts worldwide and our confidence in UNHCR’s global relief capacity as an agency that provides humanitarian assistance swiftly and efficiently wherever it is needed,” said Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed.  

UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC Countries, Khaled Khalifa, praised RHF’s pioneering humanitarian role, evidenced by its prompt response and readiness to provide the grant.

“The grant is yet another example of a true humanitarian partnership, ensuring timely assistance wherever it is needed,” he added. “Our partnership with the foundation plays a crucial role in assisting those in need in Afghanistan and around the world, which was made possible by the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.”

Over the past four decades, Afghanistan has been battered by conflicts and natural disasters that have left millions facing famine and starvation. The latest estimates indicate that some 24 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian assistance. There are around 3.5 million conflict-displaced persons in Afghanistan, as well as 1.57 million climate-displaced people, making it one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world.

For more information, please contact: 

• In Afghanistan, Peter Kessler, kessler@unhcr.org, +93 70 2465 614
• In the United Arab Emirates, Khaled Kabbara, kabbara@unhcr.org, +971 50 641 0868