Sheikha Jawaher of Sharjah urges more help for Syrian refugees

After visiting Syrian refugees in Egypt, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, is calling on the international community to further its humanitarian efforts to help refugees.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, is calling on the international community to further its humanitarian efforts to help refugees.

Through her foundation, The Big Heart, Sheikha Jawaher has donated Dh3.6 million to seven public schools in Greater Cairo, Alexandria and Damietta.

During a one-day visit to Egypt last week in her capacity as a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees eminent advocate, she visited one of the beneficiary schools, Al Shamla public school in 6th of October City.

The school accommodates more than 320 Syrian pupils alongside 1,000 Egyptian ones.

Sheikha Jawaher also met Syrian refugee women at Tadamon Egyptian Refugee Council community centre in 6th of October City.

She praised the determination and resilience of the refugees after talking to them at the community centre, reported state news agency Wam.

Sheikha Jawaher’s humanitarian mission to Egypt came at a time when the number of refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria is close to 4 million. More than 134,000 Syrian refugees are already registered with UNHCR Egypt.

Sheikha Jawahar said: “The issue of Syrian refugees is one of the most tragic events in human history. The refugee issue will not be resolved by remembering their humanitarian suffering and talking about their plight.

“It can only be resolved through the collective effort of the international community. We need to develop Arab and international systems and put measures in place to provide protection to refugees.”

She said the situation was getting worse and the refugee crisis could “affect the future of the Arab world and its development”.