gulfnews.com
Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation allocates Dh400,000 donation for shelter for human trafficking victims in the UAE
- By Natalie Farah, Staff Reporter
- Published: 14:49 June 7, 2011
The amount was allocated from the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation's (Admaf) 2011 Abu Dhabi Festival box office.
The establishments provide shelter and support to victims of human trafficking.
"I passionately support the vital causes that Ewa'a strives for. [The] Abu Dhabi Festival has been a proud partner of this organization, which strives to make a difference in our community. This donation reflects the Festival's commitment to enable community groups across the UAE and we hope that it can make a difference to the lives of some of these women and children," said Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival.
The shelters are managed by a non-profit organisation for women and children victims of human trafficking that operate under the umbrella of the UAE Red Crescent Authority.
In 2010, more than a hundred victims of human trafficking passed through Ewa'a's three shelters in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah. The victims' nationalities include African, Asian to Eastern European and Arab.
"Since Ewa'a was founded, we have helped over 147 victims. Currently we have a total of 20 victims in all three shelters, including eight children from 5 - 18 years old. Many of the victims are women who were promised employment but when they arrive to Abu Dhabi, their passports are confiscated and they are forced either into prostitution or if they work as housemaids, their households are abusive so they come to us for shelter. Some are also referred to us by various sources including the police, churches, hospitals, and embassies," said Sarah Shuhail, Executive Director of the Ewa'a Shelters.
This is the second year that Ewa'a was chosen as one of the Festival's nominated charities and the shelter has also participated in the annual event by hosting The Picasso Project, which was a part the festival's community outreach programme.
"We are grateful for the continued support shown by Admaf that help us continue not only helping victims but also spread awareness about the amount of human trafficking occurring in the UAE. The money provided will be used to not only provide services, including counselling and medical treatment, but also as financial aid for victims who are able to go back home," Shuhail said.
"One day, I hope to close the shelters because we no longer have human trafficking here but until that day arrives, we will continue providing support for those who seek it and working with the police and international organisations such as the UN to combat this crime against humanity," she added.
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