Since the start of the Syrian uprising, most of the media focus has been on the security and political situation. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people are being forced to flee the country for safe refuge in neighbouring states.
However, it is not that simple. With the majority of funding, by regional actors and non-government players, going towards pumping more weapons into Syria, for both the regime and its opponents, the refugees are being left in the cold — or the scourging heat of desert camps, as the one in Jordan.
Recently, the United Nations launched the biggest appeal in its history to alleviate the sufferings of Syrian refugees and the displaced. The UN said $4 billion (Dh14.71 billion) were needed to help the more than 1.65 million forgotten victims of the Syrian conflict. Hence the importance and urgency of the UAE-based campaign ‘Big Heart for Syrian Refugee Children’, launched by Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi — wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah — and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children. It was initiated in conjunction with the international community’s commemoration of World Refugee Day yesterday.
“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,” Shaikha Jawaher said. The campaign is the latest effort by Shaikha Jawaher to raise awareness about such sufferings and help alleviate the plight of those caught in the middle of conflicts or calamities.
With the plight of Syria’s war victims overshadowed by the political and security developments, it takes somebody like Shaikha Jawaher to realign the world’s efforts to help the actual victims of the war. We all have a duty to help make this campaign a success. In an interview published today in Gulf News, Shaikha Jawaher says: “I remain optimistic that our concerted efforts will achieve positive change and transform lives on the ground.”
Let us all share her optimism by supporting the Big Heart campaign.
