Under the patronage of the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Abdullah Al-Yahya, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) commemorated the World Refugee Day, which falls on June 20 each year, under the slogan “Kuwait of Development and Humanity.” Both organizations called on the international community to show solidarity with refugees and find solutions for them.
During the event, the positive impact of the strategic partnership between UNHCR and KFAED since 2016 was highlighted, showcasing several joint projects that have benefited more than 700,000 refugees and internally displaced people in northern Iraq, Yemen, and Jordan. The event also revealed that the number of forcibly displaced people surged to historic new levels across the globe, according to UNHCR’s Global Trends Report. The rise in forced displacement to 120 million people by May 2024, was the 12th consecutive annual increase and reflects both new and protracted conflicts, and a failure to resolve long-standing crises. Considering funding constraints that limit the ability to respond to growing humanitarian needs, partnerships with humanitarian organizations and development funds have become more crucial than ever.
The World Refugee Day event featured a speech from H.E. Mr. Abdullah AlYahia, Minister of Foreign Affairs, during which he mentioned the country’s unwavering commitment to helping the most vulnerable. He emphasized that this mission will not be deterred by any obstacle. Kuwait is determined to continue standing by those affected by conflict and natural disasters. The Minister highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in achieving a world where no one is left homeless. He provided concrete examples of Kuwait’s impactful contributions, including supporting more than 200,000 refugees in northern Iraq and enhancing health services for over 100,000 refugees in Jordan. This crucial assistance has directly improved living conditions and met basic needs in conflict-affected areas.
He specifically pointed out Kuwait’s substantial support for the Syrian refugee crisis, which amounts to approximately $1.9 billion and has benefited millions of individuals worldwide.
The Minister further emphasized Kuwait’s proactive role in providing direct humanitarian support, which is channeled through the Kuwait Fund and other official and civil organizations.
Importantly, Kuwait’s efforts extend beyond immediate humanitarian aid. The country is committed to long-term partnerships that aim to improve the lives of refugees and displaced persons for the long haul.
In her speech, UNHCR’s Representative in the State of Kuwait, Nisreen Rubaian, expressed her gratitude to KFAED for hosting the event under the auspices of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. She noted Kuwait’s rich history in humanitarian work and emphasized the importance of solidarity with refugees, and stated: “Year after year, the number of forcibly displaced people continues to rise, reaching historic and unprecedented levels. It is imperative that we do more to show solidarity with refugees, which means keeping our doors open to them, highlighting their resilience and achievements, and reflecting on the challenges they face. Solidarity with people forced to flee also means finding solutions to their plight, ending the conflicts that led to their displacement, enabling them to return to their homes in safety and dignity, ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that welcomed them, and providing host countries with the resources they need to include the refugees and offer support to them.”
Rubaian added: “This event is titled ‘Kuwait of Development and Humanity,’ reaffirming the State of Kuwait’s position as a center for global humanitarian work and appreciating its role which is reflected through the strategic partnership with KFAED, which assisted refugees, displaced persons, and host communities by implementing diverse humanitarian projects in infrastructure, shelter, water, sanitation, and health. We look forward to further joint efforts to address the worsening humanitarian needs of those most in need.”
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the world, highlight their rights, needs, dreams, and celebrate their courage and perseverance despite the challenges they face.
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