“UN High Commissioner”: Sheikha Fatima is one of the greatest supporters and advocates for refugee issues worldwide
His Excellency Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, and Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, discussed ways to enhance the programs of the “Refugee Women and Children Support Fund.” The fund was established under the generous initiative of 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, to improve the lives of refugee women and strengthen their ability to cope with the harsh conditions of displacement.
The meeting, held in Dubai with the attendance of several officials from both sides, focused on strengthening the humanitarian partnership between the Emirates Red Crescent and UNHCR. They explored mechanisms to activate the fund’s programs through new projects aimed at improving the lives of refugee women and alleviating their suffering, as well as mobilizing support for the fund’s developmental initiatives in fragile areas.
Dr. Al Mazrouei highlighted the Refugee Women and Children Support Fund as a pioneering initiative that aligns with the UAE’s efforts, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to alleviate the suffering of refugees worldwide. He emphasized the additional support provided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, 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, with close follow-up by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent.
Dr. Al Mazrouei pointed out that when Her Highness Sheikha Fatima established the fund in 2000, she was fully aware of the plight of displaced and refugee women in camps and conflict zones and the hardships and risks they face as the most vulnerable group. He added, “Her Highness has adopted many initiatives that have supported refugee women and provided them with better living conditions.” He referred to the fund’s significant role in offering more excellent care, better protection, and dignified life for women and children in and outside camps.
He also praised Her Highness’s generous $1 million donation recently to the fund, which enabled refugee women from South Sudan in Uganda to access empowerment projects in collaboration with UNHCR. He underscored that such initiatives reflect the UAE’s consistent commitment to easing the burdens of displacement for victims of conflicts and wars.
Filippo Grandi commended the generous contributions of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, recognizing her as a leading supporter of refugee issues globally and a key backer of UNHCR’s efforts to alleviate refugee suffering and improve their living conditions. He praised her groundbreaking initiative in establishing the Refugee Women and Children Support Fund, highlighting its significant role in providing better care and dignified living for women and children affected by crises and disasters.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed expanding the fund’s beneficiary base by attracting additional support. They also explored opportunities to collaborate on new humanitarian programs and projects that address refugee needs, strengthen their resilience, and mitigate their vulnerabilities. Successful partnership experiences between the two sides were also reviewed, particularly in host countries for refugees.
Last week, the Emirates Red Crescent and UNHCR signed an agreement in Abu Dhabi to implement the “South Sudanese Refugee Assistance in Uganda” project, funded with $1 million from the Refugee Women and Children Support Fund. The project will provide South Sudanese refugees in Uganda with opportunities to engage in agricultural and livestock production projects. It is expected to benefit 41,660 refugees, with women representing 60% of the beneficiaries.
The project includes the provision of seeds, tools, irrigation systems, and other agricultural inputs, as well as support for harvesting and marketing products. For livestock, targeted families will receive cattle training on modern farming and livestock production technologies, disease prevention, and commercial and income-generating activities.
