KSQF Works Hard to Protect Children from Abuse and Trafficking

Photo: WAM

The Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF), based in Sharjah, is working hard to stop child abuse, trafficking, and injustice. The foundation wants to change the systems that allow these problems to continue. Their goal is to protect children and give them a safer future.

World Day Against Trafficking Highlights Urgent Problems

Every year on 30th July, the world marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. On this day, KSQF reminds us that many problems are connected. For example, when climate disasters force people to move away from their homes, children often have to leave school. This increases their risk of being trafficked. Also, war and poverty push children into dangerous work or criminal groups.

Problems Are Linked and Need Joint Solutions

KSQF understands that no single problem can be fixed alone. Protecting children needs a strong plan that works across many areas. This means different groups and sectors must work together to stop child abuse and trafficking effectively.

Rising Child Exploitation and Trafficking Since Pandemic

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, child exploitation and trafficking have increased. There is a 31 percent rise in known cases of child trafficking victims. Also, around 138 million children worldwide are still stuck in child labour. This number has fallen from earlier estimates of 160 million, but it remains very high. These facts show that many children suffer from abuse and exploitation.

The Cycle of Harm Keeps Children Trapped

The problems children face are part of a cycle. When one crisis happens, it makes other problems worse. For example, poverty can lead to child labour, which leads to more abuse and trafficking. This cycle makes it hard for children to escape danger and find safety.

KSQF’s Work Supports Important UN Goals

KSQF’s main mission is to protect children. Its work supports key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include ending abuse and trafficking of children (SDG 16.2), stopping child marriage and harmful practices against girls (SDG 5.3), and ending forced labour and child labour worldwide (SDG 8.7).

Prevention Is More Than Rescue

Lujan Mourad, Director of KSQF, says child protection is not just about saving children after harm. It is about preventing harm before it happens. KSQF uses three main strategies: advocacy programmes, safeguarding initiatives, and building capacity.

Prevention means raising awareness in communities and helping develop safer environments. Support means caring for children who are at risk or have been hurt. Partnerships mean working with other groups globally to fight child exploitation together.

Strong Leadership from H.H. Sheikha Jawaher

KSQF is guided by H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Foundation and wife of the Ruler of Sharjah. She is a strong supporter of children’s rights and global humanitarian work. Her leadership shapes KSQF’s work to be fair and just. She believes protecting children is a duty, not just charity.

Bold Approach to Long-Term Change

Under her leadership, KSQF focuses on solving root causes of children’s problems. The foundation listens to children and communities that often go unheard. This helps build lasting solutions that keep children safe and healthy for the future.

New Global Projects to Help Vulnerable Children

KSQF has started new projects to help over 30,000 children and their communities in places like Zanzibar and Mexico. They work with big organizations like Save the Children International and Plan International. These projects fight issues like gender violence, child abuse, and risks faced by migrant children.

Support Services for Survivors in Zanzibar

In Zanzibar, KSQF is growing its support services for children and adults who survived violence. These services directly help 1,000 people. Through community outreach, they also reach 10,000 more people with education and support programs.

‘Guardians of Children’ Project in Mexico

In Mexico, KSQF runs the ‘Guardians of Children’ project to protect 7,000 migrant children and teenagers. This project also helps over 15,000 people through awareness campaigns and building stronger communities. This work aims to keep children safe and reduce risks they face during migration.

Focus on Sustainable and Local Solutions

KSQF believes in long-term success. It supports local communities to lead protection efforts. The foundation builds strong protection systems that help children stay safe now and in the future.

Call for Urgent, Coordinated Action

On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, KSQF sends a strong message: protecting children cannot wait. Child exploitation is a global, organized problem that keeps changing. The fight against it must be fast, well-planned, and relentless.

KSQF is leading the way in protecting children from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation. With strong leadership, global partnerships, and a focus on prevention and support, the foundation works to break the cycle of harm. Their projects in Zanzibar, Mexico, and beyond show how helping children and communities together can make a lasting difference.