Queen Rania takes part in an annual charitable event for children held in Paris

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department - PARIS) In line with her interest in childhood issues and the safety and protection of children from harm, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah took part in an annual charitable event for children organized by the non-profit organization Fondation pour l'Enfance in Paris.

Proceeds from the 'Ninth International Evening of the Child' in support of child rights worldwide will benefit special programs for the prevention and protection of children from violence.

The fundraiser also aims to raise public awareness on positive child rearing practices, and to promote the development of children in a safe and secure family and societal environment.

In a written message printed in the event's program, Queen Rania said that the safety of our children has never been as paramount as it is today.

With the recent events across the world and in the region, "there is no better time...for all of us to take action and make childhood issues our top priority," she wrote. "It is at times like these that children--the most vulnerable sector of society--suffer the most. With their aspirations, potential and promise, they are the most valuable resource, and we must do everything we can to protect them," Queen Rania said in the message.

Fondation pour l'Enfance, founded in 1977 by former French First Lady Mrs. Anne-Aymone Giscard d'Estaing, is a non-profit, humanitarian organization working in the field of child safety and care.

The organization, which undertakes activities in France and around the world, is funded by private and public sponsorship, corporate donations, as well as from income generated through its programs and activities.

Proceeds from last year's International Evening of the Child supported the Jordan River Foundation's programs for children.

In 2000, Queen Rania opened Dar Al-Aman, the first center in the Arab World for the protection of children. Queen Rania also chairs the recently-established National Council for Family Affairs, which aims to strengthen and empower all members of the family, regarded as the most important unit within society.