JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has strengthened its humanitarian role in refugee issues worldwide through KSrelief, which has carried out 3,438 projects in 107 countries, costing more than $7.9 billion.

Among these, 357 projects support refugees, with nearly $497 million spent in Yemen, Somalia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Myanmar, Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on food security, health, shelter, education, and protection.

Refugee numbers have risen globally, with 52 percent originating from Syria (6.5 million), Afghanistan (5.7 million), and Ukraine (5.7 million).

At least 76 percent of displaced people live in low- or middle-income countries, increasing the humanitarian challenge, according to the SPA.

Saudi Arabia hosts refugees from Syria, Yemen, and Myanmar, about 5.5 percent of its population, offering free education, healthcare, and work opportunities under a policy respecting human rights and promoting charity.

These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s humanitarian commitment, highlighted on World Refugee Day on June 20, established by the UN to raise awareness of global displacement.

Saudi Arabia continues to enhance its humanitarian role through partnerships and initiatives focused on human rights and dignity, the SPA reported.