UNHCR extends appreciation to Shaikha Jawaher for donation to Syrian refugee children

Abu Dhabi

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has extended its appreciation to Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for her continuous efforts and contributions to help Syrian refugees through her ‘Big Heart Campaign.

Shaikha Jawaher, who is also the Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and UNHCR Eminent Advocate, has responded to an immediate appeal made by Syrian refugee children in Jordan through a $200,000 (Dh734,426) donation to provide life-saving assistance to Syrian children and their families.

The UNHCR Regional Representative to the GCC Countries, Imran Riza, pointed out that while children make up more than half of the Syrian refugee population, most are living in very poor conditions with uncertain fates. “This timely donation by Her Highness will help us to try to ensure that the basic needs of Syrian refugee children and their families are adequately addressed,” he added.

This initiative comes as UNHCR announced that the total number of Syrian refugee children has reached one million, in a jointly issued statement by UNHCR and Unicef on August 13.

The statement highlighted the urgent need of assistance that would contribute to the return of Syrian refugee children to school and to improve their living conditions.

“We are hopeful that others throughout the region will join Her Highness’s efforts in sending a message of solidarity to Syrian refugees,” said Riza.

The Big Heart Campaign for Syrian Refugees, was launched by Shaikha Jawaher on June 20 coinciding with UNHCR’s commemoration of World Refugee Day. The charity campaign has held a series of charity fairs and fund-raising events including a two-day charity bazaar and suhour event in Ramadan. Shaikha Jawaher also donated $1.8 million to over 12,000 Syrian refugee families in Jordan on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

With the deteriorating political situation, over 1.98 million refugees fleeing Syria have sought protection in neighbouring countries which include Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Lebanon.