Sheika Fatima Launches Fund for Refugee Women and Children

Under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the UN Refugee Agency and its partner the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Authority (RCA) are launching a major fund raising campaign to help refugee and displaced women and children around the world.

The "Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women" campaign was launched today coinciding with the Holy month of Ramadan to kick off a fund raising effort benefiting refugee women and displaced children. The campaign proceeds will support UNHCR's projects in girls' education, livelihood, health and nutrition.

The campaign is considered to be a milestone in a partnership between UNHCR and the UAE Red Crescent. The 90-day campaign features a number of radio and television spots that will be aired in the UAE as well as a poster campaign in malls and billboards. Mock refugee camps, public service announcements, roll-up stands and tents will be on display at the Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports, shopping malls across the Emirates and major road intersections in Abu Dhabi as well as universities.

"This is a much needed support for the plight of hundreds of thousands of women and children in displacement and is a significant demonstration of solidarity from the people of the United Arab Emirates in the field of humanitarian work," said Mr. Hamdi Bukhari, Acting Regional Representative of UNHCR to the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Chairwoman of UAE General Women's Union, and a champion of women's enhancement in the country.