High-profile delegates commit to tackling GBV alongside the Mercy and Peace Foundation
King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, Queen Thandi, Sheikh Walid El Saadi, Inkosi Chiliza, Cllr Weziwe Thusi, Cllr Fawzia Peer, Deputy Commissioner General Gonya and religious Leaders signed the Mercy and Peace Foundation pledge, to fight against women and child abuse and human trafficking, on Saturday, 5 December at Durban’s Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel.
The non-profit organisation Muslim World League hosted an introductory seminar to ignite engagement around gender-based violence (GBV) solutions, attended by religious leaders, members of GBV support groups, government representatives, GBV victims and other contributors. The opening ceremony, was led by his majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, King of the Zulu nation, who lit four candles, followed by a moment of silence for those who lost their lives to GBV and femicide.
The Mercy and Peace NPO, was founded by his excellency, Dr. Mohamed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, former Justice Minister of Saudi Arabia and Secretary General of Muslim World League (MWL). The aim of the foundation is to provide safety and support for victims of GBV, inequality and discrimination and human trafficking, as its central focus.
“It is highly commendable that the MWL is restoring hope and providing light through the Mercy and Peace foundation. We must fight this cause together, to stop those who are hurting women and children. No one must keep quiet,” said King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
During a recent visit to South Africa, Dr Al Issa was alerted by the executive adviser for the African continent Sheikh Walid El Saadi to the significant number of women and child abuse cases, as South Africa reporting some of the globe’s highest statistics in terms of women and child abuse, that for HE Dr Al Issa decided to establish the NPO Mercy And Peace Foundation in South Africa.
“The aim of the Mercy & Peace Foundation is to save abused women and children by helping them emotionally, mentally and physically first,” explained the organisation’s founder, Dr Mohamed bin Abdulkarim Al Issa, the Secretary General of MWL “Once done, we will provide them with the necessary education, skills’ training and support so that they are self-sufficient and afforded better opportunities,” His Excellency Dr Al-Issa.
The foundation aims to address human rights’ violations as well as the ongoing scourge of human trafficking globally. Mercy and Peace Foundation will assists all victims, regardless there race or religion.
“This ongoing global crisis has left a horrific social need for change,” said Sheikh Walid El Saadi “Through this foundation, meaningful discussions with government representatives, community leaders and other organisations have already begun,” he said.
King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, and members of the royal family offered their ongoing support and commitment to Mercy and Peace Foundation, sending a strong message, particularly in light of the 2019/2020 crime statistics that identify KwaZulu-Natal as reporting the highest number of rape, murder and sexual offences crimes in the country.
