Kuwait

Since its presence in Kuwait in 1991, and the signature of the cooperation agreement in 1996, UNHCR has been carrying out activities focusing on protection and resource mobilization. UNHCR has been working closely with counterparts at the concerned departments from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior to enhance protection measures and prevent potential deportations of people of concern. UNHCR also provides people of concern with youth development and professional skills, including internship opportunities through partnerships. In addition, through refugee status determination, learning and development, and community-based protection, UNHCR continues to pursue durable solutions like complementary pathways for refugees.

Resource mobilization and partnerships remain central to the operations of UNHCR in Kuwait. UNHCR remains the partner of choice for humanitarian aid, focusing on refugees and IDPs. The Government of Kuwait contributed more than USD 435 million over the past decade, channelled through The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). 

KFAED has provided vital support to UNHCR projects in Iraq, Jordan, and Yemen. The Fund contributes to improving living conditions for IDPs, refugees, and asylum-seekers through access to shelter, expanding water services, installing solar power, and providing health services.

UNHCR established a joint mechanism back in 2019 with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Social Affairs to oversee fundraising activities in Kuwait and partnerships with local NGOs and charities. Since then, the mechanism has allowed UNHCR to launch public fundraising campaigns.

Private sector partnerships are exponentially growing in Kuwait. They collaborate closely with local NGOs to mobilize resources and launch joint fundraising campaigns focusing on supporting the Rohingya emergency, Syria situation, Yemen, and other situations of interest. Over the past year, UNHCR has launched several public fundraising campaigns collaborating with prominent Kuwaiti partners, including Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Society, The Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and Tanmeia Foundation.