Media

Prince of Wales Helps to Raise over £100,000 for Iraq’s Refugees

25th April 2008

His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales was joined yesterday by Dr Al Dabbagh, the Special Representative of Iraqi Prime Minisiter Nouri Maliki, Sheikh al Attiya the Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Dr Khalifey Lebanese Minister of Health and Dr Kim Howells MP (Minister of State, FCO) for a fundraising reception and dinner for the AMAR International Charitable Foundation at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Whitehall, London that raised over £100,000 for refugees from Iraq.

Speaking at the event in support of the AMAR Foundation, the Prince of Wales stated:

“AMAR has made the difference to hundreds of thousands of individuals and families. This month alone, AMAR will provide around 33 thousand vulnerable people with medical consultations, 38 thousand children will benefit from their health education programme, the AMAR Women Health Volunteers will make around 19,000 visits to families, and AMAR teachers will provide adult literacy and peace education courses to just under 2,000 people. Meanwhile, hundreds of health professionals will receive training in a wide range of public health issues. AMAR’s work is extensive, important and life-changing.”

Dr Al Dabbagh, the Special Representative of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki speaking after the reception stated:

“Many Iraqis are today being helped by the AMAR Foundation, through their vital health and education work.  The refugee crisis in our country is a immense challenge, and the help of organisations like the AMAR Foundation is critical in our joint efforts to help to rebuild the lives of so many effected by conflict.  It is a testament to their work that so many have been so generous in supporting their crucial work.”

Rageh Omaar, also speaking at the AMAR Foundation reception stated:

“Over the past 17 years the AMAR health experts and professional staff have always demonstrated a unique commitment to help the people in greatest need regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation: to help the most needy and rebuilding lives, that was not only the motto of the AMAR Foundation but the reality on the ground.  AMAR’s work results have achieved this in many countries and regions.”

The AMAR Foundation was set up in 1992 after the war for the liberation of Kuwait and in response to the plight of the Sh’ia of the southern Marshlands of Iraq.  The founder was Baroness Emma Nicholson MEP, then a Conservative Member of the British Parliament.  Over the next few years it built up a structure of support for Marsh Arabs who had fled to Iran.

The AMAR health and education experts have gained the trust among the population in the most difficult areas that it works in, building a strong, active and sustainable health and education infrastructure.  Their health projects and education programmes are welcomed by the national and regional authorities, tribal and religious leaders as well as local communities.

Speaking after the fundraising event, the Foundations founder Baroness Emma Nicholson MEP said:

“I am delighted that we have raised over £100,000, this money is sorely needed to help refugee communities, the destitute and poor from Iraq.  The AMAR Foundation is helping tens of thousands of people every year, and now more than ever our work is of vital importance.  I am particularly grateful to HRH the Prince of Wales for speaking with such passion and eloquence in support of our work.  I would also thank Dr al Dabbagh, Dr. Kim Howells MP and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the very generous use of their rooms to host the events, and all those that gave this much needed money.”