Bahrain’s RHF, UNHCR sign agreement to support Syrian refugees in Jordan

Amman, Feb. 9 (BNA): Following directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Honorary President of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), to the RHF, led by HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and RHF’s Board of Trustees Chairman, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to oversee the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees, the RHF and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed an agreement to provide urgent relief aid to the brotherly Syrian refugees in Jordan. On the occasion, HH Shaikh Nasser extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HM the King for his constant support for the RHF, and honourable humanitarian supportive stances towards needy and afflicted people in brotherly and friendly countries worldwide, based on universal humanitarian bonds bringing all peoples of the world together. HH Shaikh Nasser lauded HM the King’s kind gesture and directives to support Syrian refugees in Jordan who are suffering from harsh climatic conditions during winter, praising the constant support enjoyed by the RHF from the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. HH Shaikh Nasser asserted that based on the royal directives, the RHF continued its field efforts to support the Syrian refugees, especially in Jordan, noting that HM the King is following up closely on the conditions of the Syrian refugees. HH Shaikh Nasser indicated that the humanitarian aid is part of the kingdom’s support for the humanitarian efforts being exerted by Jordan to host and help the Syrian refugees. Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed, the RHF’s Secretary-General, extended deepest thanks and appreciation to HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their constant support for the RHF, praising HH Shaikh Nasser’s unwavering follow-up. UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC Countries, Khalid Khalifa, commended the agreement, and applauded Bahrain’s pioneering role in supporting Syrian refugees, out of its commitment to its humanitarian and fraternal duties. He said that under the agreement, the RHF will support nearly 100,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan by providing cash assistance to 253 refugee families living in urban areas (about 1,000 refugees) over the next six months through UNHCR’s Cash Assistance Programme, to enable them to secure their urgent needs, such as paying their rent, bills, buying food and being able to afford medication. In addition, it will distribute cash assistance to about 20,000 Syrian refugee families in Jordan’s Zaatari camp, to cover cooking gas expenses over the period from January to June this year. Khalid Khalifa commended the humanitarian role played by Bahrain, through the Royal Humanitarian Foundation. “We are grateful for the trust and the partnership with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, represented by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This generous contribution is a timely one, and we hope it would alleviate some of the challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic and limited livelihoods, which are further exacerbating the living conditions of refugee families,” he said, adding that “Cash assistance will enable refugee families secure their basic needs and determine their expenditure priorities in a dignified manner.” He praised Bahrain’s stances towards refugees, noting that it is among the first countries to have assisted stricken countries and peoples, citing its building of schools and houses, as well as provision of water resources to refugees and displaced people in many countries, without distinction based on gender, religion or nationality. He affirmed that the distinguished humanitarian efforts exerted by the kingdom’s leadership, government and people are exemplary, adding that the International Community appreciates Bahrain’s outstanding role in providing relief aid to ensure social and economic stability for countries affected by conflicts and natural disasters. Bahraini Ambassador to Jordan, Ahmed Al-Ruwaie, lauded HM the King’s directives to provide relief aid to the Syrian refugees in Jordan. He also applauded the keenness of the government, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the efforts of HH Shaikh Nasser, to support needy peoples, through the RHF.