Rohingya News Agency - The National staff

The Ruler of Sharjah and his wife urged people to play an active role in protecting refugee families, during a meeting with Rohingya refugees in Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, stressed the need for the international community to act to provide refugees with the requirements for a dignified life, including shelter, food, health and education.

During a visit to the Harmony Refugee Learning Centre in the Malaysian capital, Dr Sheikh Sultan and Sheikha Jawaher met Rohingya refugee families from Myanmar and heard about their arduous journeys to asylum.

“The entire world is morally bound to protect the future of Myanmar’s Rohingya refugees," said Sheikha Jawaher. “We are with you with our hearts and our actions. We came here to assess your conditions on the ground and listen to your requirements and needs."

She pledged to continue to work with UNHCR, with the support of Dr Sheikh Sultan, to mobilise support for them and meet their needs until they are able to return home.

They also met students who were educated at the centre. Sheikha Jawaher gave the children school bags with supplies and books, urging them to look to the future with hope and optimism and to focus on their studies.

Sheikha Jawaher encouraged the girls to focus on their education and refuge early marriage or sitting at home without studying.

“My dear daughters, the future still lies ahead," said Sheikha Jawaher. “With education, you can build what was demolished and help yourselves and your families. You will grow to become physicians, engineers, teachers and leaders.

“Don’t accept early marriage for any reason. You are the future and with education and knowledge, you will be tomorrow’s builders and future leaders."

According to UNHCR, about 53,700 Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers were registered with the agency in Malaysia as of the end of February this year.