Sharjah: A campaign to help over 1.65 million displaced Syrian refugee children, called “Big Heart for Syrian refugee children” was launched by Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Wife of Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children.
With the global community marking World Refugee Day on June 20, Shaikha Jawaher has made the Syrian refugee crisis her immediate focus by launching this donation campaign.
Making a difference to the lives of Syrian refugees is now an SMS away. People can send money by sending an SMS to specific numbers, each corresponding to an amount of money or by wiring money to a dedicated bank account.
According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 1.65 million Syrians have so far fled deplorable living conditions caused by the conflict in their homeland – leading to the separation of family members and a large number of children from their parents.
This campaign is the latest in a long history of humanitarian efforts in which Shaikha Jawaher has helped raise over Dh100 million that helped Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian and Somali beneficiaries, among many others.
Shaikha Jawaher appealed to the UAE public and the Arab world to set an inspiring example for the international community. “It is tragic that many refugee children are marking their second consecutive World Refugee Day without proper shelter, food and education. Let us not leave them to face another year alone, and rather help them to overcome their situation as refugees and live a better life.”
“It is time to show them that we stand by their side and we will spare no effort in giving Syrian refugee families and children the secure life that every human has a right to.” she added.
Imran Riza, UNHCR Regional Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, expressed the UNHCR’s appreciation for Shaikh jawaher’s commitment to supporting Syrian refugees: “We are very pleased that many refugees will benefit from Her Highness’ noble efforts which are geared towards alleviating their suffering and also maintaining their dignity through educational and livelihood programmes.”
