Amman/ Paris 13 July 2017– Jessica Kahawaty, Lebanese-Australian international model and presenter with a background in human rights law, is visiting the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan this week, as part of Louis Vuitton’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for Syrian children facing the world’s most challenging humanitarian crisis.
The Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, one of the largest in the world with a population of 79,000 Syrian refugees, is situated in Jordan about 12 km from the Syrian border. UNICEF has been on the ground since the camp opened in July 2012, providing urgent humanitarian aid, including life-saving vaccines, clean water, psychosocial support and protection from violence to children and families affected by the crisis. UNICEF works closely with education authorities to make sure that children are able to go to school.
“This visit to Zaatari refugee camp was extremely powerful - heartbreaking but full of hope. There is an incredible generation of children who believe in education and making a difference. I met an inspiring young girl in the camp called Omaima, who at the tender age of 16, is fighting arranged child marriage and giving talks in the camp to educate girls and their families,” said Jessica Kahawaty.
“These children have taught me so much - to continue smiling in the face of adversity, generosity in the sweet hand-made gifts they gave me, hard work and always dreaming for a better future. The global community must continue investing in their education and wellbeing, for them to rebuild Syria when peace returns one day,” she added.
The Syrian refugee crisis remains the largest humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II. Countries neighbouring the Syrian Arabic Republic are hosting more than 4.8 million registered Syrian refugees, including more than 2.2 million children. In Syria, since just the beginning of the year, UNICEF has reached: 4 million children under five with polio vaccinations, 14 million people with drinking water, and nearly 140,000 children with school supplies. However, the scale of this crisis for children is unprecedented, and funds are needed more than ever to reach out to every child in danger.
UNICEF is the leading humanitarian and development organization working globally for the rights of every child. The aim of the partnership “LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF” is to raise funds for UNICEF and help support children that are exposed to conflict, diseases, natural disasters and other situations that threaten their safety and well-being.
Since January 2016, the LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF partnership has raised more than $2.5m to help bring children life-saving humanitarian support, which includes children affected by the conflict in Syria. And in doing so, it has brought hope to vulnerable children who have endured the horrors of war and deprivation.
LOUIS VUITTON makes a promise to continue helping these children. Please join us. #makeapromise
To make a direct donation to the children of the world, please visit: www.support.unicef.org/lvforunicef
For more information on the partnership: please visit www.louisvuitton.com/lvforunicef
UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product.
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About JESSICA KAHAWATY
International model and philanthropist, Jessica Kahawaty, Australian born of Arabic origins, has bridged cultures together through her work in the fashion industry and humanitarianism. An ambassador for some of the world's exclusive brands, Jessica uses her name to continuously shed light on global issues around the world and empower young women to reach their full potential through education and the arts. Jessica is a philanthropist at heart and has always been passionate about human rights. Whilst working in fashion at a young age, she pursued her studies in Law back in Sydney. Today she works with a number of global fashion brands whilst continuing to raise awareness for the welfare of children.
Contact: Luisa Vautier Franco - luisa@vautier.london - +44 207 631 3209
About LOUIS VUITTON
Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewellery and stationery. As a House that treasures its past while embracing the future, Louis Vuitton has always cherished the values of transmission and often been associated to charities in link with children.
Contact: Jun Fujiwara – jun.fujiwara@louisvuitton.com - +33 1 5580 3800
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org
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Tania Dhakhwa– tdhakhwa@unicef.org, - +41 22 909 5243;
Miraj Pradhan, UNICEf Jordan – mpradhan@unicef.org +962 790 214 191
Samir Badran, UNCIEf Jordan – sbadran@unicef.org +962 796 926 180