HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad has underscored Qatar's enduring commitment to contributing to various efforts and forums devoted to addressing humanitarian crises and developmental issues.
Addressing the signing ceremony of the co-operation agreement Tuesday between the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and the British embassy in Doha with the aim of proceeding with the implementation of the psychosocial project in support of the Palestinian families hosted by Qatar, HE al-Misnad noted the close connection between humanitarian and diplomatic actions which go side by side to bolster bilateral ties between nations, and the humanitarian and diplomatic organisations, thereby enhancing the humanitarian action and reaching out to regions afflicted by crises and disasters.
Brokered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said that the agreement comes to implement the psychosocial project in support of the Palestinian families hosted by Qatar, and the two parties' efforts in this noble humanitarian aspect are appreciated.
HE the QRCS President Yousef bin Ali al-Khater praised the unwavering efforts of HE al-Misnad to support the Palestinian guests of Qatar, emphasising that this commitment was reflected in her firm interest in overseeing the signing of this agreement.
He thanked the British embassy for its support for this vital project that contributes to mitigating the psychological impacts and pressures arising from the aggression on the affected people, particularly the vulnerable groups such as women and children.
HE al-Khater highlighted Qatar's deep-rooted and honoured position, alongside all Qatari institutions in standing with the people of Gaza and offering them unwavering support through all available means during the difficult adversity they are currently enduring.
HE al-Misnad asserted that the QRCS unwaveringly upholds its humanitarian and fraternal responsibilities toward the Palestinian people, both through its field offices and teams operating in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as through its psychosocial support staffers, which have been actively engaged since the outset in delivering care to the Palestinian families arriving in Qatar.
UK ambassador to Qatar Nirav Patel stressed the importance of co-operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the QRCS to back their invaluable efforts in providing Palestinians in Qatar with basic psychological health services.
In remarks to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the envoy said that the UK and Qatar are diligently working every day to provide all affected people with basic support, which is a critical element of assistance for those communities and individuals in need of mental health support and services to surmount challenges posed by the conflict in Gaza.
He stressed that the United Kingdom and Qatar are connected with partnerships both at the regional and global levels.
HE the QRCS Secretary-General Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi said the significance of this agreement lies in providing the Palestinian brothers who came to Qatar from the Gaza Strip with the psychosocial support.
He said that they number 1,500, adding that the QRCS has, so far, implemented a similar programme for the Afghan brothers.
The objective of the agreement is to provide a financial contribution of £80,000 to foster psychosocial support services afforded to the Palestinian guests who arrived in Qatar due to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The project outlined in the agreement focuses on rejuvenating the psychosocial aspects of the beneficiaries through community engagement, group discussions, psychological counseling, sports and physical activities, handicrafts, as well as educational, awareness-raising, and recreational events.
The term psychosocial support refers to a range of interventions aimed at boosting the mental health and overall well-being of individuals and families within their social environment and are dedicated to strengthening their resilience and coping abilities, while facilitating their recovery and reintegration into normal life following crises or adverse experiences.
The QRCS is equipped with a highly trained relief team comprising 50 specialists, proficient in delivering psychosocial support to individuals affected by conflicts and disasters, as part of its broader external humanitarian efforts.
HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad