Jawaher Al Qasimi Calls for Expansion in Relief Work to Help People Affected By Wars and Disasters

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children and Chairperson of the Big Heart Foundation, has called for concerted efforts to help people who are affected by wars and disasters.

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi highlighted the importance of encouraging all community segments across the globe to help promote the culture of humanitarian action and focused on the vital role it plays in saving lives and alleviating the suffering of millions of people around the world.  

"Today, the world is facing many challenges that require greater global coordination if we are to overcome them. Ongoing wars are claiming the lives of thousands, displacing millions of others and destroying the very foundations of human civilisation. It is incumbent on everyone - leaders, officials and members of the public- to take responsibility and find effective solutions to these challenges," said Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi.

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi's call coincides with World Humanitarian Day, which is held each year on August 19 to honour aid workers who dedicate their lives to humanitarian service. Since its inception in 2003, World Humanitarian Day has become established as an important annual event that mobilises people to advocate for a more humane and compassionate world.

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi spoke of the importance of expanding the scope of relief work and providing aid to the largest number of affected people, highlighting the involvement of the UAE in these endeavours.

"The UAE is a role model in humanitarian work thanks to its constant commitment to helping and supporting people in need. Under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE spares no effort to stand by friendly countries and deliver aid to areas affected by wars, conflicts and disasters. The nation is committed to ensuring the security, stability, physical and psychological integrity of humanity by intensifying efforts to support vulnerable people, in particular women and children,” Her Highness added.

"Thousands of workers and volunteers involved in humanitarian aid and relief work put themselves on the front line to aid the victims of wars and disaster. These essential aid workers set the perfect examples of altruism and self-sacrifice. World Humanitarian Day serves to highlight the efforts of those who work silently and patiently with unrelenting determination to help others. We need to show our respect and appreciation to these unsung heroes," Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher continued.

Sheikha Jawaher commended the role played by the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies in maintaining international peace and security, drawing attention to the activities undertaken by the UNHCR to improve the conditions of refugees and disadvantaged segments of the global community. Her Highness expressed her pride in the partnership between the Big Heart Foundation and UNHCR, which aims to meet the needs of people whose countries are suffering from unrest and instability by promoting humanitarian work that strives for a brighter future for marginalised people everywhere.

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher reaffirmed her commitment to alleviating human suffering by following the noble approach laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation’s founding father. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi pledged to continue to mobilise more support and advocacy for global humanitarian principles and provide aid and assistance to all people affected by wars and natural disasters.