Dr Maatouq, the UN Secretary-General's Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs, recalled in a statement those who had sacrificed their souls in humanitarian service in dangerous countries, namely the UN personnel who died in a bombing attack on the UN buildings in Baghdad on August 19, 2003. Up to 22 humanitarian workers, along with Sergio Vieira de Mello, the chief of the international mission, perished in the ferocious attack. He saluted souls of those who have been killed in armed conflicts-namely old people and children.
The international day is an occasion to shed light on activists working in the humanitarian realms worldwide, he said, noting that they risk their lives while trying to secure shelter, food and clothing for those stranded in conflicts and wars.
The State of Kuwait, under leadership of the "Humanitarian Leader," His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, shares the bereaved who have lost their loved ones their sentiments of distress and sorrow, Dr Maatouq said.
Kuwait, namely His Highness the Amir, has addressed a message of peace to the world, stipulating "enough killing, enough wars, enough blood spilling," he stated noting that His Highness has repeatedly made such an appeal in the past particularly at conventions, noting in this respect Kuwait's hosting of three donation conferences to aid the war-afflicted Syrians. - KUNA