ERC, UNHCR discuss challenges facing refugees in region
Date
8/14/2016 5:54:07 AM
(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 11th August, 2016 (WAM) The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have discussed the humanitarian challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons in the region due to unfolding events.
The two sides stressed their determination to work together and find appropriate solutions to enhance the ability of the refugees and displaced persons to cope with emergency conditions through providing them with necessary protection in light of the challenges they face. They also tackled ways to strengthen the partnership and the operational co-operation in a number of arenas that experience displacement due to disasters and crises.
They agreed to enhance communication mechanisms, launch joint initiatives and exchange experiences and information about the programmes and projects being implemented by the two sides for the development of fragile communities so as to enhance their ability to cope with emergency humanitarian circumstances and challenges.
This came up during a meeting held today at the headquarters of the ERC in the presence of Fahd Abdul Rahman bin Sultan, the Deputy Secretary-General for International Aid at ERC, and Dr. Abdul Karim bin Si Ali, International Relations Advisor, Toby Harward, Head of Office, UNHCR Abu Dhabi, and Dalal Alsharhan, Senior External Relations Associate at UNHCR in the UAE.
The two sides reviewed plans and programmes of both sides to help victims of the crisis in Yemen and Syria. The meeting also touched on benefiting from the international organisation and its potential logistical expertise as well as strengthening capacities through training programmes to hone the skills of ERC volunteers in the field of emergency and crisis management.
The UNHCR official stressed the importance of the ERC efforts around the world to alleviate suffering and provide a better living for victims of disasters and crises.
Harward praised the ERC humanitarian initiatives and its drive for the development of vulnerable communities and minimise the impact of disasters. He added that the reputation earned by the ERC globally prompted those in charge of the UNHCR in the region to pay this visit to learn closely about its programmes and activities, and establish closer co-operation with the ERC to implement joint projects that reflect the unity of purpose, and embodies the nobility of intentions the two sides have sought after.
For his part, Fahd Abdul Rahman bin Sultan stressed that such meetings open wider horizons for constructive co-operation between the two sides in the humanitarian aspect, stressing the keenness of the ERC on strengthening the bridges of communication and co-operation with regional and international agencies and aid groups for a better future humanitarian work.
He said that the ERC is proud of having established relations with other international counterparts that enabled it to score many of achievements that have contributed significantly to the alleviation of human suffering in many areas where the ERC exists. Sultan reiterated that the body will spare no effort to translate the resolutions of the meeting on the ground through enhancing partnership and co-operation between the two sides.
WAM/Majok