SHARJAH, (Pakistan Point News - 05th May, 2019) Sharjah has granted US$ 1.1 million to Amel Association International in recognition of its efforts in protecting human rights, and providing education, child protection and employment opportunities to those affected by the Lebanese civil war, which broke out in 1975.
The grant was offered to the Lebanese NGO during the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support, SIARA. The funding seeks to bolster the efforts of the organisation, which has been working since 1979 to provide emergency, as well as rehabilitation assistance, to those in need. Last year, the organisation’s beneficiaries exceeded 100,000, including 50,000 women and children.
SIARA was launched by The Big Heart Foundation, TBHF, a Sharjah-based global humanitarian organisation, in collaboration with UNHCR in 2017, to highlight individuals or organisations who carry out pioneering and influential initiatives that have had a positive and tangible impact on refugees in Asia and the MENA region.
The award was instituted under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness, TBHF Chairperson and UNHCR’s Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, who continue to champion philanthropic efforts by individuals and organisations throughout the world.
In recent years, Amel has 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.
Amel’s founder, Dr. Kamel Mohanna, received his fourth Nobel Peace prize nomination this year.
SIARA aims to motivate organisations and individuals to launch long-term and large-scale development programmes and initiatives to improve the lives of refugees and vulnerable people, specifically among countries in Asia and the MENA region suffering from disasters, conflicts, and poverty.
