Sharjah Ruler offers $1M grant to refugee advocacy award winner
sharjah — His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has announced a $1 million grant to Amel Association International, a non-sectarian Lebanese NGO that is this year’s recipient of the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA). The NGO also won a Dh500,000 cash prize as part of the Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) award.
The award recognises the efforts of Amel’s founder, Dr Kamel Mohanna, and his team in protecting human rights and providing education, child protection and livelihood opportunities to those affected by the Lebanese civil war that broke out in 1975. Amel has also shown “exceptional leadership” in offering humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees seeking asylum in Lebanon, and has expanded its operations to several countries including France, Switzerland and the USA.
The $1 million grant will significantly bolster the efforts of the non-profit organisation, which has been working tirelessly since 1979 to provide emergency as well as rehabilitation assistance to those in need. Last year, the organisation’s beneficiaries exceeded 100,000, with half of them being women and children.
Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) and Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children at the UNHCR, noted that humanitarianism should touch every aspect of life.
“Refugees have the right to safe asylum. Therefore, it is a collective obligation the international community must share to not only provide them with life’s basic needs, but extend long-term support so they can get back on their feet in host countries as well as rebuild their homes and lives upon returning to their home country. Also, they must exercise their influence and power to prevent the aggravation of crises,” Sheikha Jawaher said.
Dr Kamel said: “This award holds immense value in the Arab world, which has been suffering from division and conflict. It symbolises solidarity with the vulnerable and marginalised, especially those seeking refuge in host countries.
“Two decades ago, there were 10 million refugees around the world. Today, there are 65 million refugees and displaced – half of them in the Arab world.”
This award holds immense value in the Arab world, which has been suffering from division and conflict. It symbolises solidarity with the vulnerable and marginalised.”
Dr Kamel Mohanna,
founder of Amel