KUWAIT: As the UN celebrates World Humanitarian Day Monday, Kuwait marks the occasion by continuing its vigorous effort to support humanitarian causes with an ever-present sense of responsibility and passion. Since independence 63 years ago and prior, Kuwaitis continued to be people of a highly generous nature, providing assistance to all those who are suffering from natural or man-made disasters.

This year’s theme for World Humanitarian Day 2024 is "Act For Humanity,” a slogan highlighting the importance of protecting civilians and humanitarian workers, especially during times of war. The celebration is held on the 21st anniversary of the attack against the UN headquarters in Baghdad in 2003, where several casualties occurred during the sorrowful event.

Back to the efforts of Kuwait, the Gulf State earned an unprecedented honor in 2014 when it was named by the UN as an international hub for humanitarian efforts, and the then Amir, the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was named as a global humanitarian leader. Kuwait, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, continues to uphold the humanitarian legacy of the country, with HH the Amir affirming back on May 12 during his meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres that Kuwait would remain steadfast with helping all those in need.

This affirmation earned praise from Guterres, who commended Kuwait’s humanitarian support, namely in aiding the Syrian refugees. Whether on the level of government entities, NGOs, the private sector, or through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), and other entities, Kuwait made it its mission to provide assistance no matter where or when.

On the Foreign Ministry level, Kuwait had launched an electronic system for humanitarian work to ensure that the help needed by others around the globe was served and reached whoever was requiring it. Kuwait also played a pivotal role in providing aid to the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, and surely, no matter the challenge, this small country with a great heart would carry on its humanitarian duty no matter what.

Kuwait reaffirms position

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Kuwait’s unwavering position on lending a hand to people in need worldwide, while urging appreciation and respect for all humanitarian workers. This came in a statement from the Foreign Ministry on Monday, in honor of World Humanitarian Day. Additionally, the Ministry said that Kuwait will always remember the humanitarian workers who lost their lives or were injured while in the field, noting Security Council Resolution No 2730 (2024) regarding the necessity of protecting humanitarian workers and all United Nations personnel while performing their duties.

The UN named Kuwait as an international center for humanitarian efforts in 2014, and the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was named "humanitarian leader.” Humanitarian aid has been rooted in Kuwait far from political goals or discrimination. This approach is encouraged by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in continuation of diplomatic and humanitarian work in the face of challenges.

IOM praises Kuwait

Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission to Kuwait, Mazen AboulHosn, praised Kuwait’s role in supporting humanitarian efforts around the world. In a statement to KUNA on World Humanitarian Day, AboulHosn said that in the last three years, Kuwait has supported the organization’s humanitarian operations around the world with an amount exceeding $14 million.

The support has been effective in providing life-saving assistance, shelter, and protection to millions of displaced individuals and communities affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies, he added. He noted that the organization has more than 27,000 staff, most of whom work in the field to effectively address the needs of migrants and displaced persons around the world despite the great challenges posed by conflict, limited access, and harsh conditions in hard-to-reach areas. — KUNA