Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Foundation Launches Global Initiatives To Protect Over 30,000 Children In Zanzibar And Mexico

The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF), under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, has initiated its first global projects to safeguard over 30,000 children in Zanzibar and Mexico from violence, exploitation, and displacement. These initiatives are in collaboration with Save the Children International in Tanzania and Plan International in Mexico.

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi stated, "We launched the Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation in 2024 to become a global framework for child protection efforts wherever children are at risk. The Foundation operates on the principles of integration and inclusivity, aiming to build a comprehensive protection system based on prevention, victim support, partnership-building, and legislative development—translating the vision of the Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates in supporting humanity and defending the most vulnerable groups, foremost among them, children."

In Zanzibar, KSQF is addressing rising Gender-Based Violence (GBV) rates that threaten children, especially girls. Partnering with Save the Children, they are launching a support programme through two One Stop Centres at Jitimai Hospital in Unguja and Abdalla Mzee Hospital in Pemba. This project aims to provide medical, psychological, and legal services to at least 1,000 survivors.

The "Expanding Support Services for Survivors of Violence" initiative will also reach an additional 10,000 people through awareness campaigns and community support services. This effort follows Sheikha Jawaher's visit to Zanzibar's centres, highlighting the need for improved protection infrastructure. The year-long partnership seeks to enhance local GBV response systems.

In Mexico, KSQF collaborates with Plan International on the "Guardians of Children" project across Tapachula, Mexico City, and Ciudad Juárez. This initiative provides direct assistance to 7,000 migrant children and adolescents while indirectly benefiting over 15,000 individuals through outreach activities.

The project includes safe spaces, mobile health units, psychological first aid, financial support for families, and training for community members as child protection advocates. It aims to raise awareness about trafficking and exploitation while empowering communities.

Addressing Urgent Threats

The foundation's initiatives reflect its commitment to tackling urgent threats facing children globally. Reports from UNICEF and UNODC indicate that one in five children aged 5 to 17 in low-income countries is involved in forced or hazardous labour. Additionally, there has been a 31 percent increase in identified child trafficking victims worldwide.

Sheikha Jawaher emphasised that protecting children is both a natural human right and an investment in the future. She noted that saving even one child contributes to securing a community's future.

Sheikha Jawaher further explained that despite differing perspectives globally, childhood unites all cultures around the right of every child to live without fear or harm. The foundation focuses on cooperation and sustainability for long-term impact rather than short-term solutions.

The announcement signifies a significant advancement in KSQF’s mission to create integrated protection systems for vulnerable children. These projects highlight the foundation’s understanding of evolving threats like abuse and trafficking faced by children worldwide.

With inputs from WAM