Red Crescent approves Dh57.9m for foreign aid

Abu Dhabi: The Higher Committee for Foreign Aid at the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has approved more than Dh57.9 million to implement various development projects and programmes in a number of Arab and other countries.

The move follows the directives of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of ERC.

Earlier this year, the committee approved Dh300 million for Palestine in line with its strategies and plans to boost development in the country during 2014-2016. The committee allocated Dh36.8 million for projects in Palestine in 2014. Meanwhile, 12 projects valued over Dh27.2 million were implemented in Mauritania, Malawi, Maldives, Chile, Senegal, Somalia, Tunisia, Yemen, Albania, Bosnia and Kazakhstan.

Over Dh1.2 million was also allocated to support 51 humanitarian organisation in 15 countries, in addition to Dh778,674 provided as medical assistance. An estimated Dh18 million was allocated as initial budget for this year’s Ramadan in 60 countries.

The committee recently held its third meeting chaired by Dr Mohammad Atiq Al Falahi, ERC Secretary-General, to review a number of requests made by foreign bodies in friendly countries, some of which were approved, while others will undergo further assessment.

Palestine has a lion’s share in the projects in the areas of education, health and other fields.

Al Falahi emphasised that the ERC takes interest in the projects that concern the health, education and service sectors abroad.