Doha: The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) announced the launch of a collaborative project with the Canadian Red Cross, supported by the Government of Canada, to provide psychosocial support to Palestinian families residing in Qatar. This initiative will extend over a six-month period.
According to Qatar News Agency, the announcement was made during a joint press conference held under the auspices of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Qatar and Canada. The event was attended by several key officials, including Sultan bin Ahmed Al Asiri, Acting Director of the International Cooperation Department at Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Isabelle Martin, Ambassador of Canada to the State of Qatar; Faisal Mohamed Al Emadi, Secretary-General of QRCS; and Basma Tabaja, Head of the Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Qatar, alongside representatives from QRCS and the Canadian Red Cross.
HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, praised the Canadian contribution, highlighting its alignment with Qatar's humanitarian priorities and its reflection of values upheld by divine religions and international conventions. She emphasized that partnerships among NGOs enhance the skills of humanitarian workers and improve the effectiveness of humanitarian responses, benefiting communities affected by crises.
Faisal Mohamed Al Emadi, Secretary-General of QRCS, detailed that the agreement includes a financial contribution of CAD 500,000 to improve psychosocial health services for Palestinian families in Qatar, displaced by the conflict in Gaza. He noted that the project will feature various community-based activities.
Al Emadi further stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' sponsorship of this agreement signifies Qatar's comprehensive support for the Palestinian people, spanning both political and humanitarian domains. This support is facilitated by the Qatar Fund for Development in collaboration with Qatari and international organizations, with QRCS playing a leading role.
Isabelle Martin, Ambassador of Canada to Qatar, commended QRCS' efforts and expressed Canada's pride in partnering with Qatar in this humanitarian mission to aid displaced individuals from Gaza.
The project aims to enrich the psychological and social well-being of its beneficiaries through community engagement activities, mental health consultations, sports, handicrafts, and educational events. QRCS has deployed a skilled relief team of 50 specialists to provide psychosocial support to those affected by conflicts and disasters during international relief missions.