Refugees find hope in football village
AVILLAGE built to house fans for theworld Cup has been turned into a camp for Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban.
As Qatar estimates two million fans will travel next year, scores of hotels have sprung up in Doha, while a scheme for Qatari families to host fans has been set up.
The country has also built its own accommodation for large groups of fans. Since August one of these “villages” has been the first destination for Afghan refugees and other nationals fleeing the country after thetaliban swept back into power, following President Biden’s much-maligned exit strategy.
Now designated a camp for “free movement”, it has processed more than 75,000 refugees and other nationals, including Britons and Americans.
The Qatari government has set up a medical clinic for people in the holiday homes, as well as a mental health clinic for those suffering from trauma, particularly children.
Jassin Abdelrahmon, a political analyst who is helping run the camp, said: “Many people, especially the children, have seen terrible things. they need our help and support in whatever way we can.”
He said he was moved to help by his Muslim faith and proud of the service his country had given to those in need.
A supermarket has been transformed into a depot, bringing in free food, clothes, sanitary products and other vital items.
The first wave of refugees stayed for two months before being sent to new countries of residence, including Britain.
The Qatari government has also made efforts to locate the families of unaccompanied children and teenagers, bringing 208 together with their loved ones.
They have also provided recreational facilities and encouraged artists and others to express their feelings through creating pictures.
This included the turquoise Mountain group, founded by Prince Charles and the then President of Afghanistan. There are plans to display 80 of the poignant works created by refugees.
One of the major projects has been the creation of a nursery for children to receive education and support, with English the most sought-after subject.
Sri Lankan Umanga Perera, who recently qualified from Sheffield University, is running the nursery, which has become a focal point for families, particularly mothers.
She said: “It is wonderful that the Qataris are doing something like this, using their resources to look after those in need for such a worthy cause.
“We have managed to bring a lot of smiles in the nursery, and the families of the children really want to come too.”
Doha was the neutral venue for talks between the Taliban and Donald trump’s administration, which had aimed for an orderly departure from Afghanistan.