No branches of SCHS outside UAE

SHARJAH- A report by Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), the media and communications arm of the government of Sharjah, has denied the association of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) with any institution that alleges to be a branch or regional office of SCHS outside the UAE, particularly in Gaza, Palestine.

The report was issued in response to news that have been circulated by some Palestinian media about a Gaza-based organisation calling itself Sharjah Foundation for Humanitarian Services.

The report said: “As proven by documented evidence, a Gaza-based organisation is using the name of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, calling itself the Sharjah Foundation for Humanitarian Services. A person named Mohammed Amin Shamiya has claimed to be the regional director of the foundation, which, according to him, is headed by HH Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Vice President of Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Director General of SCHS. He has also claimed that HH Sheikha Jameela visited the Gaza Strip during Israel’s brutal aggression against the people there.”

According to the report, people in charge of the so-called Sharjah Foundation for Humanitarian Services have coordinated visits to a number of Gaza institutions and associations and met with government officials and public figures, as well as individuals and families affected by the Israeli aggression. Using the name and logo of SCHS, they have made promises to fund a variety of projects.

SMC’s report has stressed that no link exists between SCHS or HH Sheikha Jameela and the alleged foundation, including its so-called regional director Shamiya. It has also asserted that all the necessary legal measures will be taken against everyone behind these allegations and anyone who attempts to abuse the name of SCHS or that of HH Sheikha Jameela.

The report has warned that anyone who deals with the alleged foundation or those in charge of it may be subject to legal accountability.

Confirming SCHS’ support for people in Gaza and their just cause, HH Sheikha Jameela emphasised her disapproval of exploiting the harsh conditions in the strip to achieve any illegal gains, using the name of SCHS.

She said: “Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, which operates under the umbrella of the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, was founded in 1979 as the UAE’s first organisation aimed at the empowerment, education, training and rehabilitation of children and adults with disabilities. It has branches in Khorfakkan, Dhaid and Kalba, in addition to its main office in Sharjah, but no branches outside the country. However, the City still has its good relations with its counterparts across the Arab world.”