4 days ago
Qatar & Canada to launch psychosocial support project for Palestinian families hosted in Qatar
Under the patronage of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Qatar and Canada, a press conference was held today morning by Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and the Embassy of Canada in Qatar, to announce cooperation on a psychosocial support project for Palestinian families hosted in Qatar, with a contribution by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Red Cross, which will extend the project for the coming six months.
The press conference was attended by H.E. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Asiri, Acting Director of International Cooperation Department at Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), HE Isabelle Martin, Ambassador of Canada to the State of Qatar, Basma Tabaja, Head of the Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Qatar, H.E. Issa bin Ahmed Al-Nasr, board member of QRCS, Abdullah bin Hamed Al-Mulla, board member of QRCS, and Faisal Mohamed Al-Emadi, Secretary-General of QRCS.
In a statement, H.E. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation at MOFA, said,
'We highly appreciate this kind initiative from the Canadian Red Cross. Their generous contribution aligns with Qatar's humanitarian priorities and reflects our belief in the shared legacy of values, principles, and ideals enshrined in all divine religions and established in relevant international treaties and conventions".
'Laudable is also the active role played by the Embassy of Canada in Qatar in the preparations for this agreement," she added. 'Again, we thank QRCS for their constant dedication and unwavering commitment to the humanitarian mission of serving vulnerable people everywhere".
Ms. Minister considered humanitarian partnerships among NGOs as helping develop the skills of humanitarian workers and make humanitarian response more effective, which gives back to the communities affected by crises and conflicts.
During the press conference, Mr. Al-Emadi remarked,
'The purpose of this agreement is to provide a generous contribution of CAD 500,000 from our Canadian friends to enhance the psychosocial health services provided for the Palestinian guests who were evacuated to Qatar as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. The project involves a wide range of community-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities for six months. It comes under the umbrella of the initiative by HH Emir of Qatar to provide medical care for 1,500 injured people from Gaza, inspired by Qatar's responsibility towards the victims of war and disasters in Arab and Muslim countries and beyond".
He noted, 'The sponsorship of this agreement by Qatar's MOFA reflects the absolute government and popular support for the Palestinian people, especially during the painful ordeal taking place in Gaza for nearly two years. This support is not only political or diplomatic, but also primarily humanitarian, with Qatar Fund for Development providing every possible form of aid, in cooperation with the Qatari and international humanitarian organizations involved in relief efforts for the affected people of Gaza. Obviously, at the forefront of these efforts is QRCS".
Ms. Martin revealed that this collaboration was made possible by the leadership of Ms. Al-Misnad, under the framework of the bilateral Canada-Qatar MOU on development cooperation, signed during the visit of HH Emir of Qatar to Canada in September 2024.
She said she was also grateful for the tireless efforts of QRCS, whose dedicated work of providing medical care, shelter, and emotional support on the ground brought hope to countless families during their most difficult times.
'Canada is proud to stand alongside Qatar in this endeavor. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to humanitarian principles and to those displaced by the war in Gaza, who deserve peace, security, and a future filled with opportunity," added Ms. Martin.
The project serves as a psychological and social enrichment for the beneficiaries, through community engagement; group discussions; mental health consultations; sports and exercising activities (e.g., football and volleyball); handicrafts (e.g., sewing, coloring, and henna painting); and educational, informative, and recreational events.
Psychosocial support involves a variety of actions that promote the mental health and overall well-being of individuals and families within their social environment, enhance their resilience, and help them recover and return to normal life after crises or negative experiences.
QRCS hires a highly trained relief team of 50 specialists who provide psychosocial support for those affected by conflicts and disasters during international relief missions.
