Sheikha Fatima donates an additional $1 million to enhance the Refugee Women Support Fund programs

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent, has provided an additional $1 million in support to the Refugee Women Support Fund. This contribution aligns with Her Highness’s commitment to humanitarian and charitable work and alleviating the suffering of the needy and affected, particularly refugee women and children worldwide.

This support, coinciding with Mother’s Day, aims to expand services for refugee women, highlighting compassion and solidarity with all women and mothers who have endured and sacrificed to protect their children and ensure their dignity.

Her Highness emphasized that the UAE’s initiatives, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, along with the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, strengthen efforts to improve the stability of displaced persons and facilitate the voluntary return of millions of refugees worldwide. These initiatives help restore their vitality and reintegrate them into their original communities after enduring prolonged hardships.

Her Highness stated, “The UAE has always taken it upon itself to address refugee issues by mobilizing all its resources to provide protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons worldwide, alleviating their suffering and improving their living conditions.”

She added, “The exceptional hardships faced by refugees necessitate enhanced partnerships among humanitarian organizations to improve their situation and draw attention to their urgent needs. The UAE’s contributions to refugees reflect a message of generosity, love, and brotherhood among peoples, as established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace.”

Her Highness expressed her hope that the Refugee Women Support Fund would achieve more for refugee women worldwide, providing them with better living conditions and greater care to protect them from the consequences of disasters, crises, and wars, as they are the most affected.

She also praised UNHCR’s vital role in providing care and protection for millions of displaced persons and refugees across dozens of countries worldwide. Her Highness emphasized the fund’s strong partnership with UNHCR, aiming to elevate their collaboration to broader horizons that would better serve refugee women and enhance programs directed toward them.

Her Highness directed that the donated amount be allocated to supporting mothers in marginalized areas, improving their humanitarian conditions through projects addressing their care needs, and empowering them to access essential services for themselves and their families.

On Mother’s Day, Her Highness urged the international community to fulfill its humanitarian responsibilities toward refugee women facing extremely difficult circumstances. She stressed the need for collective efforts to provide greater protection for women affected by the harsh conditions of displacement.

Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, highlighted Her Highness Sheikha Fatima’s significant role in strengthening humanitarian solidarity through her generous contributions to crisis and disaster victims worldwide. Dr. Al Shamsi noted that the additional donation to the Refugee Women Support Fund on Mother’s Day reaffirms Her Highness’s dedication to improving mothers’ lives globally.

She also praised Her Highness’s initiatives, which reflect the UAE’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, improving refugee conditions, and creating sustainable opportunities for the most vulnerable women and children, thereby enhancing their living standards and restoring their dignity.

Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, confirmed the organization’s ambitious plan to utilize Her Highness’s donation for Mother’s Day to implement developmental projects that improve the lives of mothers in the most vulnerable and underserved areas. He noted that Her Highness’s initiatives have brought significant positive changes in services directed toward victims in conflict zones, earning her widespread recognition from the international community and humanitarian organizations.

Khaled Khalifa, Regional Representative of UNHCR for the Gulf Cooperation Council, commended Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s humanitarian initiatives, which significantly alleviate refugee suffering and support UNHCR’s efforts to enhance care and preserve human dignity. He emphasized that the Refugee Women Support Fund exemplifies Her Highness’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by refugee women.

The Refugee Women Support Fund, established by Her Highness on March 21, 2000, on Mother’s Day, continues to provide tangible and meaningful assistance to refugee women, ensuring they and their children have access to dignified living conditions. The fund is jointly managed by the Emirates Red Crescent and UNHCR, with the Red Crescent overseeing administrative and financial aspects and UNHCR identifying appropriate projects to meet refugee women’s specific needs.