Save the Children, the world’s leading independent children’s charity, convened a high-level reception in Doha, focused on the humanitarian crisis facing children and youth in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT’s), a statement from the British embassy said.
The event was hosted by the British ambassador Jon Wilks at his residence. Qatari philanthropists were joined by leaders from the business and humanitarian communities to listen to a presentation on the humanitarian needs in OPT’s by Save the Children’s country director for OPT’s, Jason Lee. An ensuing round-table discussion saw the guests deliberating on ways the public, private and humanitarian sectors can work together to build a better future for the children and youth of OPT’s.
Commenting on the event, Lee said: “Save the Children has operated in OPT’s for over 50 years and is committed to improving the lives of children impacted by the conflict. The children and youth of OPT’s remain in a state of protracted humanitarian crisis. Following an escalation in hostilities last year and the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, the situation has only deteriorated further. Currently an estimated 678,000 children are in need of child protection services, including mental health and psychosocial support, according to the UN’s 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview. It is also estimated that 25% of children aged 16-17 are out of school and young people face numerous obstacles to securing jobs once they do leave education.”
He added: “Save the Children has worked with a range of Qatari partners on projects across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With this event, we are delighted to widen our relationships with Qatar-based philanthropists and leading members of the business community who are committed to supporting OPT’s. Save the Children has a shared concern for the wellbeing of the children and youth in the OPT’s and we look forward to increasing our work to address their immediate humanitarian needs with partners here in Qatar”.
British ambassador Wilks paid tribute to Save the Children’s partnerships with Qatari organisations in his opening remarks. Commenting on the work that has been delivered with the support of Qatari partners, he said: “The UK remains committed to seeking a two-state solution to the Israel / Palestine conflict. Meanwhile -through the UN and International Non-Governmental Organisations like Save the Children Fund- the UK supports humanitarian aid for all those in need in OPT’s and Palestinian refugees across the region. I am delighted that Save the Children Fund contributes so much to the strong humanitarian cooperation between UK and Qatar.”
Save the Children has been operating in OPT’s since 1953, working closely with the Palestinian Authority, local NGOs, and wider stakeholders to deliver quality education, protection and healthcare services, as well as access to employment opportunities for marginalised youth. Additionally, the organisation works to strengthen the capacities of local civil society groups to promote child rights issues, and elevate their voices.
Save the Children has a long history of working with partners in Qatar to deliver impact for children around the globe. Examples include programmes to support out-of-school children into full-time education in Ethiopia, Myanmar and Thailand with the backing of Educate a Child. The organisation also recently partnered with HE Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah al-Thani to deliver a large-scale nutrition programme in Somalia and has worked with the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) to improve treatment of blast injuries for children in conflicts. Save the Children is also planning to deliver a project with Qatar Charity focused on supporting vulnerable families to meet their basic needs in Lebanon.
Commenting on the event, Lee said: “Save the Children has operated in OPT’s for over 50 years and is committed to improving the lives of children impacted by the conflict. The children and youth of OPT’s remain in a state of protracted humanitarian crisis. Following an escalation in hostilities last year and the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, the situation has only deteriorated further. Currently an estimated 678,000 children are in need of child protection services, including mental health and psychosocial support, according to the UN’s 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview. It is also estimated that 25% of children aged 16-17 are out of school and young people face numerous obstacles to securing jobs once they do leave education.”
He added: “Save the Children has worked with a range of Qatari partners on projects across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With this event, we are delighted to widen our relationships with Qatar-based philanthropists and leading members of the business community who are committed to supporting OPT’s. Save the Children has a shared concern for the wellbeing of the children and youth in the OPT’s and we look forward to increasing our work to address their immediate humanitarian needs with partners here in Qatar”.
British ambassador Wilks paid tribute to Save the Children’s partnerships with Qatari organisations in his opening remarks. Commenting on the work that has been delivered with the support of Qatari partners, he said: “The UK remains committed to seeking a two-state solution to the Israel / Palestine conflict. Meanwhile -through the UN and International Non-Governmental Organisations like Save the Children Fund- the UK supports humanitarian aid for all those in need in OPT’s and Palestinian refugees across the region. I am delighted that Save the Children Fund contributes so much to the strong humanitarian cooperation between UK and Qatar.”
Save the Children has been operating in OPT’s since 1953, working closely with the Palestinian Authority, local NGOs, and wider stakeholders to deliver quality education, protection and healthcare services, as well as access to employment opportunities for marginalised youth. Additionally, the organisation works to strengthen the capacities of local civil society groups to promote child rights issues, and elevate their voices.
Save the Children has a long history of working with partners in Qatar to deliver impact for children around the globe. Examples include programmes to support out-of-school children into full-time education in Ethiopia, Myanmar and Thailand with the backing of Educate a Child. The organisation also recently partnered with HE Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah al-Thani to deliver a large-scale nutrition programme in Somalia and has worked with the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) to improve treatment of blast injuries for children in conflicts. Save the Children is also planning to deliver a project with Qatar Charity focused on supporting vulnerable families to meet their basic needs in Lebanon.
