As many as 180,000 refugees in seven countries will cheer for their favourite teams and share the joy while watching the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on big screens, thanks to Qatar Charity (QC) and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS).
The humanitarian gesture comes as part of the 'FIFA Qatar 2022 for All: Sharing the Joy of Refugees and Displaced People' initiative. In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Qatar Fund for Development, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and beIN SPORTS, the initiative is launched in Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Kenya, Bangladesh and Somalia.
Tents set up by QC and QRCS will broadcast games live at various refugee camps in these countries. The aim is to enhance the role of sports in alleviating suffering, promote a culture of peace and social integration, mentally support displaced people and refugees while sharing the joy of the world cup with football fans around the world.
HE the Assistant Foreign Minister Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater, while launching the initiative Friday at a press conference at the Host Country Media Centre, said that Qatar has always believed in sport as an effective vehicle for nations to unite and cherish peace dialogue and transparency. “The fan zones reflect our firm belief in sport’s ability to make a positive social change that boosts sustainable,” she said.
QC's chief global programmes officer Nawaf al-Hammadi said that the tents are set up in co-operation with the authorities concerned and local agencies. “This is to alleviate the sufferings of refugees and to promote integration, protection and psychological support towards affected communities while enhancing social cohesion,” he explained.
There are over 89mn refugees and Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the world according to the UN statistics. “These include 41%, or 35mn, minors or children taking the brunt of displacement,” the official pointed out while adding that 'sport is a right for every human being, whoever and wherever he is, for the sake of peace, harmony and development of all societies'.
QRCS' Relief and International Development Division director Dr Mohamed Salah Ibrahim added that the agency will install large public screens to display the games and hold sports, fun and informative activities for the beneficiaries.
