KSrelief broadens orphan assistance in Djibouti

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre in Saudi Arabia has formed a partnership with the Refaq Association in Hail Region to support orphans in Djibouti. This cooperation agreement, signed on Thursday, will provide monthly financial assistance, clothing, and shopping vouchers to 400 orphans directly and up to 1,600 others indirectly.

The monthly assistance of $80 aims to alleviate financial pressures on families caring for orphans. The program, set to begin in 2026, will be delivered through a contracted commercial partner and is focused on providing direct household assistance, including clothing and essential items. The partnership highlights the need for predictable resources for caregivers to ensure children receive necessary items without burdening host families.

Refaq Association, known for its work with orphans, has established connections with Djibouti's Diwan Az-Zakat and discussed cooperation in September 2025. The agreement reflects growing humanitarian pressures in Djibouti, exacerbated by regional instability, migration, and climate-related shocks. UNICEF reports that 1,400 people, including many women and children, fled Yemen to Djibouti's coast in 24 hours, facing risks such as extreme heat and limited access to safe drinking water.

Djibouti continues to host refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, with child-protection services unevenly distributed. The Djibouti program builds on existing UNICEF child-focused initiatives and is supported by UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration, the World Food Programme, the Italian Red Cross, and the Djibouti Red Crescent in a 24-month disaster-preparedness project with EU support.