DOHA: Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Charity (QC) and Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees signed an agreement yesterday in support of over 30,000 vulnerable Syrian refugee families living in Jordan and Lebanon. The agreement is linked to a contribution of over $10m by Qatar Charity that will be channelled towards the UNHCR’s initiative for refugees, said a statement.

The donation will help secure much-needed cash assistance for over 150,000 vulnerable Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan until the end of 2018. Over 1.6 million Syrian refugees live in Lebanon and Jordan, with the vast majority of refugees living below the poverty line (approximately 89 percent of refugees in Jordan and 71 percent of them in Lebanon).

It is estimated that some 1.2 million refugees living in the Middle East and North Africa region are eligible for cash assistance.

Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR Regional Representative to the GCC Countries, praised Qatar Charity’s collaboration with UNHCR, noting, “Qatar Charity’s donation to the UNHCR’s initiative is the first of its kind from any large donor. This generous contribution not only enhances our cooperation with Qatar Charity but also emphasizes their philanthropy, particularly with regards to helping hundreds of thousands of refugees secure their basic needs whether rent, healthcare or other necessities”.

UNHCR and Qatar Charity have a long track record of cooperation in support of displaced persons. To date, Qatar Charity has provided contributions of some $23m in support of UNHCR’s operations in Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Iraq and Somalia.

Highlighting the importance of supporting refugees, Yousuf bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, said: “Syrian refugees face difficulties beyond imagination to meet their basic needs, after having struggled to seek safety and often after seven years of displacement.”

“We must therefore do everything we can to support those who are victims of circumstances beyond their control. The UNHCR’s initiative provides us and others with alternative ways to directly support refugees with cash assistance.” Al Kuwairi added.

Since the start of the year, Qatar Charity has provided over USD 16 million to UNHCR in support of Rohingya refugees and those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Somalia.

Within this context, Qatar Charity aims to strengthen partnerships with international humanitarian organisations, especially UNHCR, towards further joint cooperation for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the displaced globally.

Similarly UNHCR works to protect and support over 68 million refugees, displaced persons and asylum seekers globally. UNHCR aims to secure durable solutions for its populations of concerns and coordinates global response to refugee crises. UNHCR works closely with partners from the public and private sector, civil society and other entities to enhance support for refugees and displaced persons globally through its partnerships.