The Sustainable Development Foundation in Yemen has won the first Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support. The award’s organising committee declared the winners as the Best Humanitarian Foundation in MENA Region in recognition of its efforts in supporting refugees in their hour of need and providing them with an environment that alleviates their suffering in the most devastating times in the harshest conditions.
The award is under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Big Heart Foundation and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children.
The award is organised by TBHF, a Sharjah-based global humanitarian charity dedicated to helping refugees and people in need worldwide, in collaboration with the UNHCR. It aims to recognise and pay tribute to those who have made distinguished humanitarian efforts to anyone seeking refugee and displaced families in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
The SDF will receive US$100,000 to help continue its humanitarian efforts. The foundation will be honoured at a special ceremony to be held in Sharjah on May 7th. TBHF will promote SDF’s efforts to support and advocate refugees among local and international media and organisations relevant to refugees and humanitarian action.
Addressing the importance of the award as well as the significance of charitable and humanitarian efforts, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said, "It is essential that we recognise and reward the individuals and organisations who dedicate so much of their time and effort to such noble causes. In honouring their work, we hope to spread the messages of generosity, compassion, humanity and care.
"These efforts to help and support refugees are a much-needed reminder that the world is fundamentally a good place with good people. There is room for love in our hearts despite the many conflicts worldwide, and the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support is a sign of respect and appreciation to all those who have extended such a vital helping hand to refugees across the world."
"The Sustainable Development Foundation’s efforts in Yemen mark an honourable page in the history of its humanitarian achievements and underline that Yemeni people have love and hope in providing the support to those who need it most. The foundation’s initiatives have become worthy examples for many organisations and entities in the region to follow and they provide a unique motivation for young people to come together and help the vulnerable, sick and homeless." she added.
The SDF was founded in 2003 by a group of Yemeni volunteers who work together to achieve stable development and respond to the needs of people affected by war by providing fast and effective humanitarian aid. The SDF’s objectives are to build, enhance and support community resilience, as well as empower them economically and promote opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. SDE also aims to enhance access to education for everyone, contribute to peace building and justice, and create a safe and healthy environment for the vulnerable people in Yemen.

Source: WAM