Today, the initiative launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent, began to provide essential needs for Syrian refugees in Jordan and enhance their ability to face the challenges of the winter season.

The initiative benefits 14,000 Syrian refugees within camps and other areas across the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

This effort underscores Her Highness’s commitment to enhancing essential services for Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. It is an extension of her numerous humanitarian initiatives, which address critical aspects of refugee life and aim to improve the conditions of disaster and crisis victims, rallying support for them and drawing attention to their exceptional circumstances.

The initiative includes providing food and hygiene parcels, heaters, blankets, and other warming supplies to protect refugees, especially children, from the harsh winter cold.

The Emirates Red Crescent oversees the distribution of aid in cooperation with the UAE Embassy in Amman, the UAE relief team, the Jordanian Red Crescent Society, and several international organizations working with refugees.

A delegation from the Emirates Red Crescent recently departed to participate in implementing the initiative in Jordan.

This initiative reflects Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s consistent concern for the humanitarian conditions of refugees, her deep understanding of their needs during winter, and her commitment to protecting them and enhancing their ability to cope with its impacts, particularly on health.

Her Highness has launched numerous humanitarian initiatives to alleviate the suffering of refugees, which have had a positive impact on the beneficiaries and earned recognition and appreciation from the international community and humanitarian organizations.

In a statement marking the occasion, the Emirates Red Crescent praised Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s noble stances, her support for humanitarian conditions worldwide, and her steadfast backing of the organization’s programs and initiatives.

The Red Crescent emphasized that Her Highness remains a strong pillar and primary supporter of its activities and programs, highlighting her commitment to fostering values of altruism and competition within society to serve others.

It noted Her Highness’s many initiatives in various countries affected by severe disasters and crises, which have significantly deteriorated humanitarian conditions. Her efforts contribute effectively to improving humanitarian services for victims of emergencies and disasters.

The Emirates Red Crescent stressed the vital importance of the support it receives from Her Highness, which is key in enhancing its humanitarian role locally and globally. Her patronage strengthens the Red Crescent’s values and principles within society and activates its activities in service of the causes and goals it pursues.

The organization affirmed its commitment to implementing Her Highness’s initiative in a manner that meets her aspirations and strengthens efforts to alleviate the burden of displacement and its impacts on Syrian families enduring this prolonged humanitarian ordeal.

It aims to expand the initiative’s reach to include more refugees within camps and in their various locations and communities across the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has donated $10 million to provide humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and their families. This generous contribution aims to support them in overcoming their hardships and meeting their basic needs, including food, shelter, healthcare, and educational services.

This donation comes in response to the humanitarian appeal launched by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children with the UNHCR, through the “Big Heart” initiative for Syrian refugee children.

This contribution is particularly timely as the Syrian Regional Response Plan faces a $1.9 billion funding gap to assist more than 760,000 refugees.

Currently, the number of registered Syrian refugees and those still on the UNHCR waiting list has reached approximately 600,000 in Lebanon, 500,000 in Jordan, 400,000 in Turkey, 160,000 in Iraq, and 100,000 in North Africa.

Speaking about the importance of sharing the spirit of Ramadan with Syrian refugees, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, also known as the “Mother of the Nation,” stated: *”As we enjoy the blessings of Ramadan with our families and loved ones, we must not forget the millions of Syrians who lack shelter and a homeland to turn to.”*

She added: *”We will support the Big Heart Campaign for Syrian refugee children to tell them that while homes and shelters may be lost, hope will never be lost.”*

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, on behalf of all Syrian refugees, expressed profound gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her generous support and donation to improve their living conditions and alleviate their suffering.

She remarked: *”There is no doubt that such heartfelt contributions have a significant impact on instilling hope in the hearts of Syrian refugees amid the harsh realities they face. These efforts offer them a glimmer of optimism for a brighter future. At the Big Heart Campaign for Syrian refugee children, we deeply value the role played by the Mother of the Nation, reaffirming that the spirit of humanity remains vibrant and strong within us.”*

Panos Moumtzis, UNHCR Regional Coordinator for Syrian Refugees, highlighted that over 1.7 million Syrian citizens have sought refuge in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt. Over one million were registered in the first six months of 2013, making this one of the fastest-growing refugee crises in history.

He noted the immense challenges faced by Syrian refugees, particularly children and women, as they struggle daily to secure basic needs such as shelter, food, water, health, and education. However, international and regional humanitarian initiatives, such as the Big Heart Campaign led by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher, are crucial in addressing some of the refugees’ essential daily needs.

The Emirates Red Crescent delegation to Uzbekistan concluded its humanitarian mission to assist Kyrgyz refugees of Uzbek origin. After visiting the camps and providing humanitarian aid, the delegation returned to the UAE.

Dr. Saleh Al-Taei, Deputy Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent for Relief and Projects Affairs, stated that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, closely followed the conditions of the refugees in Uzbekistan and the humanitarian mission of the delegation, which assessed the situation in the camps housing those displaced by recent events in Kyrgyzstan.

The Emirates Red Crescent, the first organization to reach the refugee camps, evaluated the conditions on the ground. Accompanied by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Health, the delegation visited hospitals and camps to identify urgent needs. After discovering that health conditions among the refugees—particularly women and children—were dire, immediate assistance, including medicine, was provided. The region hosts approximately 400,000 displaced persons and refugees.

The delegation, led by Dr. Saleh Al-Taei, held meetings with Uzbek officials and representatives of international relief organizations. During these meetings, the delegation requested that the UNHCR prepare a comprehensive project to support children and women in the camps, with the possibility of utilizing the “Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Fund for Refugee Women and Children.”

UNHCR representatives praised the attention and support provided by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, to refugee women, describing the fund’s contribution as crucial in alleviating the suffering of refugees, especially women and children.

The delegation also met with representatives from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross in the presence of a senior official from the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for the Kyrgyz refugees of Uzbek origin.

Dr. Al-Taei noted that representatives of these organizations commended the Emirates Red Crescent for dispatching a team to Uzbekistan to support refugees and assess their needs. UNICEF representatives emphasized the critical needs of children and women, who comprise more than 90% of the displaced population. Key priorities included:

Psychological Support: Establishing specialized centers in the form of tented facilities equipped with educational and recreational materials to provide psychological support for children affected by violence and displacement.

Access to Clean Water: Provide treated drinking water and increase the number of water vehicles that supply camp water tanks.

Health and Hygiene Supplies: Health materials for women and children are supplied, and schools are opened within the camps.

Dr. Al-Taei referred to previous agreements between the Emirates Red Crescent and UNICEF on collaborative efforts in disaster-affected areas, including the tsunami response, Palestine, and Iraq. He requested that UNICEF submit its proposed programs through its Dubai office.

WHO representatives highlighted the importance of vaccinating children in the camps, noting that the organization, in collaboration with the Uzbek Ministry of Health, oversees the vaccination of thousands of children. However, additional vaccines may be required if the camps remain operational beyond Ramadan. The current supply of medicines is sufficient for three months.

During its visit, the delegation toured the camps, met with refugees, and arranged with local suppliers to provide drinking water continuously to seven camps for three months. Refugees expressed gratitude for the Emirates Red Crescent’s humanitarian aid and praised the UAE’s global humanitarian initiatives.

The delegation also visited the main government hospital in Andijan, Uzbekistan, where they met injured refugees affected by the recent events in Kyrgyzstan. The patients appreciated the visit, considering it a meaningful humanitarian gesture.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Health, Adkham Ikramov, commended the UAE’s humanitarian efforts, highlighting that it was the first country to send a humanitarian mission to Uzbekistan to assess refugee conditions and provide assistance.

After evaluating the refugees’ health needs, the delegation provided $120,000 medicines to the Uzbek Ministry of Health to support patients and injured refugees. The medicines urgently purchased from the local market included infant formula, antibiotics, and wound care supplies. Similar quantities of medicine were delivered to Professor Rahimov, head of the Uzbek Red Crescent, who expressed his gratitude for this UAE humanitarian initiative.

Plans are underway to send additional medical supplies and clothing to Uzbekistan through the Dubai-based logistics office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

 

Afghan media praised the generous initiative of the United Arab Emirates in establishing the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Residential City in Kabul. The coverage highlighted the statements of the Afghan President, who commended the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Meanwhile, a delegation from the Emirates Red Crescent inspected, early the day before yesterday, the projects funded by the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Fund for Refugee Women in southern Afghanistan. These initiatives include 12 vital projects.

Magita Iten, Head of the UNHCR program in Paktia Province, stated that the villagers benefited from the water channel clearing project implemented by the UNHCR with support from the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Fund. She explained that the Fund’s projects cover three main areas: water channel clearing and water resource rehabilitation, productive family initiatives, and cash-for-work programs.

The projects have benefited 93,320 Afghans in the provinces of Paktia and Khost in southern Afghanistan.

Magita Iten praised the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Fund as a distinguished humanitarian and charitable initiative. These projects have successfully resettled Afghan refugees, particularly women, in Paktia and Khost. The water channel and well-clearing initiatives have contributed to stabilizing Afghan refugees, supported construction efforts, and promoted reconciliation among warring Afghan tribes. Moreover, the productive family projects have provided financial income to impoverished Afghan women and revived a traditional craft that was on the verge of extinction in Afghanistan.

His Excellency Saeed Al Nuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Sri Lanka, laid the foundation stone for the “Sheikha Fatima Residence for Muslim Female Students” during a grand ceremony held on Monday, attended by more than 500 dignitaries. The residence, funded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, is estimated to cost around 20 million Sri Lankan Rupees.

The six-story building will include a ground floor dedicated to cultural and educational activities, including Quran memorization and Arabic language education, and halls for conferences and lectures. The upper floors (from the second to the sixth) will accommodate about 300 female students, significantly increasing capacity from the current 30-student facility.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Alavi Moulana, Governor of the Western Province and former Minister of Labor; Haji A.M. Marleen, President of the Moor Cultural Association; Farida Sharifuddin, President of the Women’s Association of the Moor Cultural Association; members of parliament; and Arab and Muslim diplomats accredited to Sri Lanka.

In his address, His Excellency Saeed Al Nuaimi highlighted the significant humanitarian and charitable contributions of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. He noted that under her guidance, the UAE women’s movement has embraced international visions, enabling it to play an essential role in global activities, especially those concerning women and children.

He emphasized that Her Highness’s efforts have inspired local, regional, and international organizations to honor her with numerous medals and awards, which not only reflect her achievements in family, women, and child care within the UAE but also showcase the international recognition she has received for her work abroad. He mentioned that Her Highness was named “Personality of the Year 2001” by UNICEF in acknowledgment of her continuous efforts to care for children worldwide.

He explained that Her Highness’s commitment to child welfare extends beyond the UAE. She has devoted significant efforts to alleviating the suffering of children in the occupied Palestinian territories and supporting orphans and widows in conflict zones globally. Her achievements include extensive contributions to rehabilitating areas affected by earthquakes, establishing charitable institutions, medical rehabilitation centers, facilities for people with disabilities, and associations dedicated to women’s development, motherhood, and childhood care.

His Excellency also listed the numerous regional and international accolades bestowed upon Her Highness, including A special shield from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 1986, The Golden Fish Award from the Egyptian Girls Guidance Association in 1989, The “Humanitarian Personality of the Year” award was given in 1989 by the Rashid Center for the Disabled in Dubai, “Family Personality” from the International Family Organization in 1999, The Marie Curie Medal from UNESCO in 1999, A shield and certificate of appreciation from Kuwait’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in 1999, The Literacy Award from the Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Science (ALECSO) in 2002, The UNHCR’s Gold Badge, typically reserved for heads of state whose countries provide significant support to the UNHCR, recognizes her initiative to establish a special fund for refugee women with an initial donation of $500,000.

Farida Sharifuddin, President of the Women’s Association of the Moor Cultural Association, delivered a speech during the ceremony, praising Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her generous initiative, which she said fulfilled a long-held dream of the institution. She noted that Her Highness’s generosity is well-known and recognized worldwide for supporting charitable and humanitarian efforts.

Haji A.M. Marleen, President of the Moor Cultural Association, also spoke, highlighting the UAE’s prominent role in charitable and humanitarian efforts, with particular appreciation for Her Highness Sheikha Fatima’s support for the association’s projects in Sri Lanka.