Dubai Cares gets Dh1m to rehabilitate Rohingya

Emirates Islamic makes contribution through its Emirates Islamic Charity Fund

Dubai Cares has received a contribution of Dh1 million from Emirates Islamic, through the bank’s Emirates Islamic Charity Fund, to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

According to a report by the Inter Sector Coordination Group, titled ‘Situation Report: Rohingya Refugee Crisis’, violence in Rakhine State began in August and the conflict has so far driven around 615,500 Rohingya across the border into Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

The speed and scale of the influx has resulted in a critical humanitarian emergency, said Dubai Cares in a statement yesterday.

The people who have arrived in Bangladesh are reliant on humanitarian assistance for food, and other life-saving needs. They are highly vulnerable, having fled conflict and experienced severe trauma, and now living in extremely difficult conditions, the statement said.

Tareq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares, said: “We are very grateful to Emirates Islamic for its generous support to the Muslim Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Their donation reflects the values of the UAE’s ‘Year of Giving’ as declared by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“It is critical that the Rohingya refugee children, who have suffered so much in this conflict, have access to education in a safe and nurturing environment. This generous support from Emirates Islamic will certainly help us provide these children with a sense of normality, to enable them to build a future they can look forward to.”

Awatif Al Harmoody, general manager of operational governance at Emirates Islamic, said: “Emirates Islamic is proud to join hands with Dubai Cares in their endeavour to ensure the wellbeing of Rohingya refugee children.

“Through education, these children will be able to create a better future for themselves and their community. Charity is a cornerstone of Sharia and as one of the country’s leading Islamic banks, Emirates Islamic is committed to continue to support those in need via the Emirates Islamic Charity Fund.”

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly held in September in New York, Dubai Cares announced its commitment of Dh1.8 million ($500,000) to ensure coordinated and sustained emergency response to the current influx of Rohingya refugees.