I write in reference to Mukesh Kapila’s article How 'World Refugee Day' lost its meaning, and how to get it back (June 19): we call upon the international community – including the UN, world leaders, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and community-based organisations – to increase their efforts to end conflicts around the world. It must also continue the support it has extended to us refugees, particularly in building our resilience, so that we are better equipped to deal with the many challenges we face every day.
As refugees living in exile, our basic rights are compromised. We don’t have the right to work, we don't have access to education and treatment, and we face threats to our security. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we have faced plenty of hate speech and xenophobia, which have resulted in threats, physical abuse, harassment and defamation. These in turn have put our lives at risk and jeopardised our health and well-being.
We wish for the equal treatment of all refugees around the globe, and we hope for a peaceful and safe environment for those whose lives and security are at risk.
Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
People’s health should not be put at risk
I write in reference to Taniya Dutta’s article India shuts down 18 drug companies amid WHO probe (June 20): this is an excellent step by Indian Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Apart from the fact that the recent controversies surrounding tainted cough syrups have undermined India’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the world”, it is important to understand that people’s lives, as well as their health and well-being, should never be put at risk. There can be no room for carelessness, corruption, or any kind of malpractice, in this regard. I am therefore very happy with this move.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
China is stepping up
I write in reference to Thomas Helm’s article Is China Palestine's next hope for peace? (June 16): with both the US and Russia distracted, China is filling the void left by the two powers. The hope is that it does work for the larger good of humanity. For instance, it can act as an honest broker between Palestine and Israel and help pave the way for a two-state solution. There are other things it can and must do, particularly in the economic sphere. After all, with power comes responsibility.
Hamid Reza Gerami, Tehran, Iran
Sheikh Zayed’s legacy will live on forever
I write in reference to the article President Sheikh Mohamed dedicates Father’s Day to Sheikh Zayed (June 21): Sheikh Zayed’s legacy will live on forever. May he reside in eternal bliss.
Name withheld by request
Magic of Modi’s diplomacy
I write in reference to the video Biden welcomes India’s Modi to White House (June 22): this is the magic of Narendra Modi’s diplomacy.
Shiv Jitendra, Patna, India
NOTE FOR READERS: An earlier version of this story ran with an image sourced from EPA, which has been replaced with the current AFP image.
More on Quran memorisation:
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDirect%20Debit%20System%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sept%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20with%20a%20subsidiary%20in%20the%20UK%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elaine%20Jones%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
Company profile
Company: Rent Your Wardrobe
Date started: May 2021
Founder: Mamta Arora
Based: Dubai
Sector: Clothes rental subscription
Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final, first leg:
Liverpool 5
Salah (35', 45 1'), Mane (56'), Firmino (61', 68')
Roma 2
Dzeko (81'), Perotti (85' pen)
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
