Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, advisor at the Royal Court and supervisor general of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, has called for the establishment of a Global Humanitarian Aviation Council. This council would bring together the aviation community, humanitarian organizations, and governments to facilitate and protect humanitarian aid transported by air. The goal of this council would be to ensure that all programs are protected under international humanitarian law.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Aviation: A vital lifeline for humanitarian efforts” at the Future Aviation Forum 2024 in Riyadh, Dr. Al-Rabeeah outlined the three main ways in which the proposed council would help facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Firstly, by ensuring unrestricted access to airports, air corridors, and refueling facilities for aircraft carrying aid. Secondly, by eliminating all fees and taxes on aircraft transporting aid. And thirdly, by simplifying the delivery of aid, with the aim of reducing costs and bridging the humanitarian funding gap.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah highlighted the important role that aviation plays in delivering vital medical supplies and aid to crisis areas. He mentioned that KSrelief has conducted numerous airlifts to support various regions in need. For example, the center has supported Gaza with 50 flights from Riyadh to Al-Arish in Egypt, Sudan with more than 20 flights, and provided essential assistance to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Additionally, KSrelief also established an airlift to Ukraine by sending 21 aircraft loaded with essential aid to border cities in Poland.
The proposed Global Humanitarian Aviation Council would not only help streamline the delivery of aid and reduce costs but would also ensure that humanitarian aid transported by air is adequately protected under international humanitarian law. By bringing together key stakeholders including the aviation community, humanitarian organizations, and governments, the council would create a unified approach to humanitarian aviation efforts.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah emphasized the importance of establishing this council as a means to strengthen the global humanitarian response to crises and disasters. He stressed that by working together to facilitate and protect humanitarian aid transported by air, the international community can ensure that aid reaches those in need in a timely and efficient manner.
Overall, the establishment of a Global Humanitarian Aviation Council would have a significant impact on the delivery of humanitarian aid around the world. By streamlining processes, reducing costs, and ensuring the protection of aid under international humanitarian law, the council would help to bridge the funding gap and provide vital assistance to those in crisis situations. It is essential for the international community to come together and support the creation of this council to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian aviation efforts globally.
