Women and children shelter initiates UN talks to create efficient rehabilitative platform for victims in UAE

This is the latest in a series of know-how and exchange of expertise aimed meetings attended by the Foundation team to actively engage with renowned local and international humanitarian organizations, coinciding with the World Refugee Day on June 20.

The UN allocates $1-5m annually to develop its procedures and initiatives aimed at reducing violence against women and children worldwide. "We are seeking consultancy on a variety of procedures and processes especially relating to the best international practices that allow our dedicated staff to offer protection as well as the best care to the victims of violence in Dubai and the UAE," said Afra Al Basti, Executive Director of DFWAC.

Al Basti met with May Kadkoy, Protection Assistant High Commissioner, UNCHR, Giulia Senigaglia, Programme Analyst, Governance, Gender & HIV/AIDS UNDP, and Saado Quol, Senior Advisor, the UNHCR. "For more than five decades, the UNHCR has helped over 50 million people restart their lives," said Mr. Quol.

He praised DFWAC's role in protecting women and children who have fallen victim to trafficking and other types of physical or sexual exploitation and welcomed future cooperation with the foundation to create tangible and long term solutions.

"The UNHCR is working in full swing in order to provide international protection to refugees and to find durable solutions to their cases, taking into consideration their psychological, emotional as well as legal and financial needs. UNHCR was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, and is constantly promoting international refugees conventions."

It is worth mentioning that the latest UNHCR statistics indicate that over 16 million refugees, victims of political or social violence in the Middle East, are currently living under different circumstances.

DFWAC is the only licensed shelter in Dubai set to protect women and children who have been exposed to domestic violence, other forms of physical abuse and human trafficking.

This non profit organization was established in 2007 in Dubai under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to offer victims protection and rehabilitative services in line with international human rights laws and treaties.

The foundation also coordinates with established international NGOs such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other UN entities to facilitate the repatriation and reintegration of the victims in their respective societies.