23 May 2024, Ankara – A delegation from Kuwait led by the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations, HE Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah, and UNHCR’s Representative in Kuwait, Nisreen Rubaian, concluded a three-day visit to Türkiye on Thursday.
During the visit, the delegation met with Turkish Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services Yavuz Selim Kıran.
Following the meetings in Ankara, the delegation visited the Adana Sarıçam Temporary Accommodation Center, where 496 containers were built and placed with the support of the State of Kuwait for persons with specific needs who lost their homes in the devastating earthquakes of February 2023, as part of UNHCR’s efforts to support the Government of Türkiye’s earthquake response.
H.E. Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah said in his statement during the visit: “This visit reflects the strong and deep-rooted relationship we enjoy with the brotherly and friendly Republic of Türkiye, while it also reflects the strong humanitarian commitment The State of Kuwait has towards the urgent response to humanitarian crisis around the world, through trusted strategic partners like UNHCR. Kuwait’s continued role as a catalyst of peace and as an international humanitarian hub is of huge importance today as forced displacements continue due to conflicts and natural disasters,” and added: “Kuwait is a top donor to the Earthquake humanitarian appeal, and has pledged USD 90 million as a response, of which USD 17.5 million was directed through UNHCR for both Syria and Türkiye. In this mission we were delighted to see that the project implementation for the temporary accommodation in Adana for both the refugee community and host community was a success, as Kuwait enters a new era through its new leadership which reiterates its continued commitment to humanitarian aid around the globe”.
The UNHCR Kuwait Representative Nisreen Rubaian highlighted: “We thank the leadership of the State of Kuwait for being a live example of how we can be in solidarity with people in need in times of crisis. This contribution to the Türkiye and Syria earthquake response is a prime example of Kuwait’s commitment towards humanitarian issues around the globe. This project is pivotal for a country that hosts one of the highest numbers of refugees in the world, approximately 3.5 million. The earthquakes impacted 15 million people in Türkiye, including 1.7 million refugees, and Kuwait’s contribution helped both refugees and the host community. Nearly 5,000 refugees benefitted from this shelter project alone.”
UNHCR Türkiye’s Deputy Representative Daniela Cicchella said: “On behalf of UNHCR, we extend our deepest gratitude to the State of Kuwait for their support following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye. Their solidarity during this challenging time once again underlines the critical importance of international cooperation in humanitarian assistance.” She added: “The collaboration of generous and steadfast partners like Kuwait, while supporting host community allows vulnerable refugees in Türkiye, whose needs have further increased after the earthquakes, to continue accessing much-needed assistance and protection ”
UNHCR continues to support Türkiye as it responds to the ongoing needs resulting from the earthquakes as well as the government-led refugee response, by helping to ensure documentation, legal protection, social cohesion, education, and work opportunities. UNHCR epresses its gratitude to Turkiye’s continued inclusive policy in the wake of devastating earthquakes, as one of the countries hosting the largest number of people in need of international protection in the world, and remains grateful to its donors, including Kuwait, for their collaboration in supporting earthquake survivors and enhancing access to protection for people whose lives have been severely affected by war, conflict, or persecution.
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