KUWAIT: In a show of appreciation for their commitment to humanitarian causes across the globe UNHCR’s Representative in Kuwait Nisreen Rubaian organized a lunch gathering for local media representatives on Thursday. During the event, Rubaian warmly welcomed the guests and extended her heartfelt gratitude for their attendance. She emphasized the crucial role of the media in raising awareness about the plight of refugees, noting that the UNHCR consistently advocates for their rights.

Reflecting on the past year’s humanitarian challenges, Rubaian remarked: “In 2022, we highlighted the plight of 89 million displaced individuals, discussing crises in Ukraine, Afghanistan and more. Sadly, 2023 has proven to be a year wrought with disastrous humanitarian crises from start to finish — from earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Morocco to floods in Libya and the problems in Sudan, alongside the ongoing tragedy in Palestine that we are currently witnessing through media platforms, where innocent lives of children, women and men continue to be lost.”

Rubaian also acknowledged Kuwait’s significant support for UNHCR throughout 2023, affirming the state’s reputation as a champion of humanitarian aid. “Kuwait has long been synonymous with humanitarian support. Hence, I extend my gratitude not only to the Kuwaiti government but also to local humanitarian organizations and the private sector, which have collaborated with us to shed light on forgotten refugees such as those in Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. In a recent conference held in Geneva, Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to UNHCR by pledging one million dollars for the beginning of 2024,” she said.

Rubaian concluded her remarks by thanking the media representatives for their invaluable contribution. She acknowledged them as friends and expressed her appreciation for the strong bond they share. She noted that without their dedication, UNHCR’s message could not reach the wider public.