Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has entered into a framework cooperation agreement with The HALO Trust, a UK-based humanitarian NGO, aimed at establishing a bilateral partnership to support humanitarian and development initiatives for communities affected by wars and crises.
According to Qatar News Agency, the agreement was formalized with signatures from Mohamed Ahmed Al Beshri, the Assistant Secretary-General for Communication and Fundraising at QRCS, and James M. Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust. The agreement emphasizes the roles of both organizations as influential entities in the international humanitarian sector.
Al Beshri highlighted the agreement’s potential to enhance access to essential humanitarian services during conflicts and disasters, provide care for victims of explosive remnants of war, and build capacity among humanitarian providers. He stressed the significance of coordinated efforts to promote community resilience, sustainable development, and humanitarian advocacy.
Emphasizing the strategic partnership, Al Beshri stated that the collaboration would leverage the diverse expertise of both organizations, maximizing humanitarian benefits for host communities. He also noted the strong strategic ties between Qatar and the United Kingdom as a foundation for this partnership.
James M. Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust, expressed the organization’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of wars, particularly through the removal of landmines. He highlighted the importance of partnering with QRCS to combine technical expertise with local knowledge, which is crucial for aiding those suffering from war.
The partnership will involve the exchange of expertise, operational support, and mobilization of funding for projects. It will also include technical and programmatic support for initiatives, management of landmine removal, coordination with UN agencies, development of joint project proposals, and leadership in training and capacity-building. The agreement ensures transparency and accountability in all activities undertaken.