Saudi Arabia pledges support for UNHCR refugee protection at UN meeting

At the United Nations in Geneva, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN and International Organizations, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and supporting UNHCR’s work to protect refugees and uphold their dignity during the 77th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee.

Commitment to UNHCR and Refugee Protection

According to the ambassador, burden‑sharing, assistance to host countries and the creation of conditions for durable solutions are essential. He welcomed UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih on the occasion of the first Executive Committee meeting since Salih assumed his post and commended his focus on improving refugees’ conditions, his engagement with host nations and his understanding of the needs of affected communities.

Humanitarian aid ranking and development links

Ambassador Bin Khothaila stated that Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first among Arab donor countries for humanitarian and relief aid in 2025. He highlighted the Kingdom’s approach of linking humanitarian assistance with development projects to address immediate needs while laying foundations for stability and recovery. He noted the Saudi Fund for Development’s financing of vital sectors such as energy, health, transport and agriculture, and pointed to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) provision of shelter, food and medical aid worldwide.

Regional crises: Yemen, Gaza, Syria, Sudan

Regarding Yemen, the ambassador said the continued escalation by the Houthi militia worsens the humanitarian situation and increases forced displacement amid growing needs and funding shortfalls. He stressed the priority of protecting civilians and ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, condemned repeated Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia, and affirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens and residents under international law. On the Gaza Strip, he expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, affirmed Saudi support for efforts to end suffering and ensure unrestricted aid delivery, rejected the displacement of Palestinians and called for a just and comprehensive peace based on a two‑state solution. Concerning Syria, Bin Khothaila affirmed backing for the country’s recovery and reconstruction and for creating conditions that allow the safe, dignified and voluntary return of Syrian refugees. He welcomed cooperation between KSrelief and UNHCR to rehabilitate homes and provide shelter for returning families before the coming winter, and urged continued support to sustain returns and strengthen livelihoods. Finally, on Sudan, he reaffirmed Saudi support for peace efforts and called for an intensified humanitarian response to ease civilian suffering, reiterating the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and assisting UNHCR in fulfilling its mission.