Sheikha Jawaher Unveils New Foundation To Protect Children Worldwide

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, has announced the launch of the ‘Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation’ during a live call on the ‘Direct Line’ programme on Sharjah Radio. The independent global humanitarian foundation, based in Sharjah, is dedicated to protecting and safeguarding children worldwide, especially those affected by conflicts, natural disasters and poverty.

Sheikha Jawaher outlined the key children’s rights that the newly launched foundation aims to secure. This includes the right to identity by ensuring every child is registered and possesses a birth certificate and other necessary documents, the right to quality education to prepare them for the future, the right to high-quality healthcare, the right to family and community care and support, and the right to express their talents and passions. By addressing these fundamental rights, the foundation is committed to empowering and protecting children and fostering personal growth during childhood.

She explained that protecting these rights would reduce risks such as poverty, illiteracy, exploitation, forced labour, child trafficking, injustice, isolation, and oppression. The foundation is implementing a comprehensive strategy encompassing three main pillars: prevention, involving community awareness and development programmes and projects; support, focusing on caring for and safeguarding children in need; and partnerships, building a global network of collaborations.

In its initial three-year phase, the foundation will concentrate its efforts on regions from the global south which will allow the foundation to thoroughly assess the needs and challenges faced by children in these regions. As the foundation gains a deeper understanding through continuous monitoring and evaluation, it will gradually expand its scope to include new regions and communities in need of support. This phased expansion ensures that the foundation’s resources are allocated effectively and that its interventions have a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of children worldwide.

Discussing the foundation’s strategy, Sheikha Jawaher explained that the foundation will work with various actors in the respective field to support policies and address gaps to better assure and protect the inherent rights of children. The foundation will also support efforts working to combat child exploitation and rights violations. This includes supporting victims and strengthening those on this critical issue's frontlines. Additionally, NGOs will be engaged in research activities raising awareness about children's inherent rights.

Global Collaboration

Sheikha Jawaher highlighted that collaboration with local entities and communities while partnering with global humanitarian organisations is essential for ensuring children's rights in vulnerable communities around the world. She stated that "The strong sense of community and social support in Sharjah has demonstrated the role a cohesive society plays in realising aspirations across all spheres."

This understanding serves as a driving force behind prioritising global children’s rights challenges. She added that "Communities flourish when families are resilient and united," emphasising how nurturing protected children enriches community resilience.

A Tribute to Sheikh Khalid

Sheikha Jawaher highlighted the foundation’s profound purpose as a tribute to Sheikh Khalid’s enduring legacy. It embodies their collective visionary commitment to fostering a safer world for children affected by conflict. Reflecting their unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes.

Guided by H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi's directives, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, she said: "The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation is committed to translating this vision into tangible action."

"Children's issues have become some of our most pressing humanitarian concerns," she continued. "Childhood represents innocence requiring unwavering love." She stressed that supporting one child means safeguarding entire communities.

The foundation's mission aligns with their belief that enhancing community unity leads to stability progress cultivating noble values unlocking humanity's full potential.

With inputs from WAM