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UAE $ 8.2m to compensate camel jockeys
Al-Shamsi calls on Rehman Malik
SHR Jahfery
Islamabad—Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior Affairs A. Rehman
Malik met senior UAE leaders here Wednesday and praised the historic
partnership between the two countries to help former camel jockeys.
Following the meeting Brigadier Nasser Aloadi Yahya Al Minhali, who
led the 10-member UAE delegation, presented the first payment to the
Pakistan government for direct compensation to former camel jockeys.
Simultaneously, at a ceremony in Rahimyar Khan, home of many of the
former camel jockeys, the children were presented certificates to
inform them about the amount they will receive.
Rehman Malik said: “This is a historic moment for the unique and
groundbreaking program of the UAE, which is creating the best possible
future for children who had worked as camel jockeys. Working closely
with UNICEF and with the Pakistan government, the UAE not only is
compensating the children, they are also creating educational
opportunities for each child, they are helping the families and they
are providing support for their home communities to protect other
children,” he added.
He thanked Brigadier Nasser and the UAE leadership for their
generosity and their partnership in helping these children. Brigadier
Nasser thanked UAE partners in this historic and comprehensive effort
to help children. What we are doing wouldn’t be possible without
UNICEF, Child Protection Bureau in the Punjab and without the support
of the federal government of Pakistan.”
He said that he had just returned from a multi-day visit to the
villages where former camel jockeys are living. “We have seen the real
benefit to the children in these areas. We’ve seen high rates of
school attendance at specially designed schools. I’ve spoken with
former camel jockeys, their families and community leaders and they
have expressed their deep appreciation for what we and our partners
are doing,” Nasser said. He added: “We have also visited areas where
there is still more work to be done and we are committed to working
closely with Pakistan and UNICEF to assure that we continue to provide
real benefits for children.”
Dr. Faiza Asgher, chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare
Bureau, Punjab said: “We at the Child Protection Bureau have just one
concern: help children prepare for the future. It is gratifying to
have a partner in the UAE who feels as strongly about this as we do.
They have created an innovative and comprehensive program and have
been true partners in helping children.” Dr. Faiza noted that the
money for compensating former camel jockeys is only one part of “an
extraordinary program that is only possible because of the genuine
commitment of the UAE’s top leadership and willingness to work closely
with us, UNICEF and with the communities where these children live.”
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